Data recording medium, and data reproducing apparatus

ABSTRACT

An information recording medium on which are recorded substantial data and reproduce control information for reproducing the substantial data, wherein the reproduce control information includes first reproduce control information required for reproducing the substantial data in all available reproduce patterns, and second reproduce control information required for reproducing the substantial data in a portion of the available reproduce patterns.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/285,772 filed on Apr.5, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,006,758. The entire disclosure of the priorapplication, application Ser. No. 09/285,772 is considered part of thedisclosure of the accompanying application and is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a data recording medium typified by adigital versatile disk (DVD) or a high-density optical disk whichpermits high density recording data, such as images and sound, as wellas to a data reproducing apparatus for reproducing data from the datarecording medium.

So-called laser disks (LD) and compact disks (CDs) have already becomewidespread as optical disk having data, such as videos and sound,recorded thereon. However, the laser disk is unable to offer the viewera choice among alternatives relating to videos or audio to bereproduced. In short, the laser disk has been unable to realize avariety of interactive reproduce patterns. For example, when aforeign-language movie recorded on an LD is reproduced, the viewer isnot allowed to select whether to display Japanese subtitles or Englishsubtitles on the screen or whether to reproduce the sound dubbed inEnglish or the sound dubbed in Japanese.

In contrast to the case of the CD, various proposals or developmentshave recently been made with regard to a digital video disk or digitalversatile disk (DVD), which is equal in size to an optical disk but hasabout ten times the storage capacity. So long as subtitles in aplurality of languages and sound dubbed in a plurality of languages arerecorded on the DVD together with reproduce control data, the viewer canmake a choice from alternatives, thus enabling a variety of interactivereproduce patterns. reproduce-only DVD player is not required toreproduce video data, the reproduce control information items, such assubtitles or multi-angles, required for interactive reproduce of videosare unnecessary.

Even in the case of the sound-reproduce-only DVD player, variousinformation items are available as reproduce control information forreproducing only audio information in various manners. Of the sound-onlyDVD players, an unsophisticated player which plays back linear PCM sounddata in the form of two-channel stereo sound must select from the sounddata reproduce control information only the information items requiredfor reproducing two-channel stereo sound.

The reproduce control information and the substantial data are spreadover the DVD disk. If an attempt is made to ascertain the total timerequired for reproducing the entire DVD disk, the reproduce controlinformation items recorded so as to become spread over the disk must beaggregated. In the hierarchical structure in which the reproduce controlinformation is recorded so as to become spread over the disk in order toreadily fulfill complicated functions by use of a simple structure,ascertainment of the information about the overall disk in a singleoperation contrarily involves more complicated processing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been conceived in light of the foregoingdrawbacks of the background art, and the object of the present inventionis to provide a data recording medium which permits fulfillment ofvarious complicated functions and which enables reproduce of datathrough more-simplified processing when a limited part of functions isimplemented, as well as to provide an apparatus for reproducing datafrom the data recording medium.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is providedan information recording medium on which are recorded substantial dataand reproduce control information for reproducing the substantial data,wherein the reproduce control information comprises: first reproducecontrol information required for reproducing the substantial data in allavailable reproduce patterns; and second reproduce control informationrequired for reproducing the substantial data in a portion of theavailable reproduce patterns.

According to the first aspect of the invention, the second reproducecontrol information for reproducing the substantial data in a portion ofreproduce patterns is recorded, thereby simplifying reproduce processingwhen substantial data are reproduced in a portion of reproduce patterns.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there isprovided, preferably, the substantial data are divided into one or aplurality of tracks and are defined as one or a plurality of titles,each corresponding to a logical set comprising one or the plurality oftracks; the first reproduce control information is recorded on aper-title basis so as to spread over the information recording medium;and the second reproduce control information corresponds to reproducecontrol information items about the tracks recorded on the informationrecording medium being collectively recorded in a predetermined locationof a program area.

As a result, the second reproduce control information is recorded in apredetermined location of a program area. Therefore, when reproducingthe substantial data in a portion of the reproduce patterns, the playercan make a direct access to the predetermined location.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided,preferably, the tracks comprise tracks which can be reproduced in allthe reproduce patterns; and tracks which can be reproduced in only aportion of the reproduce patterns.

As a result, the reproduce patterns can be set for each track, therebyenabling reproduce of the substantial data in various reproduce patternssatisfying the user's demand.

According to a forth aspect of the present invention, there is provided,preferably, the first reproduce control information corresponds toreproduce control information used in an information reproducingapparatus capable of reproducing all the tracks; and the secondreproduce control information corresponds to reproduce controlinformation used with an information reproducing apparatus capable ofreproducing a portion of the tracks.

As a result, all the tracks can be reproduced by means of an informationreproducing apparatus which can reproduce all the tracks, by use of thefirst reproduce control information. Further, for example, a portableplayer—whose functions are limited and which can reproduce only aportion of the tracks—can readily perform processing operations by useof the second reproduce control information.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided,preferably, the first reproduce control information corresponds toreproduce control information used with an information reproducingapparatus capable of reproducing the substantial data in all theavailable reproduce patterns; and the second reproduce controlinformation corresponds to reproduce control information used with aninformation reproducing apparatus capable of reproducing the substantialdata in a portion of the reproduce patterns.

In the present invention, there are provided first reproduce controlinformation for use with an information reproducing apparatus capable ofreproducing substantial data into all the reproduce patterns, and secondreproduce control information for use with an information reproducingapparatus capable of reproducing the substantial data into only aportion of the reproduce patterns. As a result, reproduce processingperformed by the player capable of reproducing the substantial data intoonly a portion of the reproduce patterns can be simplified.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided,preferably, the second reproduce control information comprises at leastaddress information, attribute information, and reproduce times relatingto the tracks.

As a result, since only the information required for reproducing thetracks in a portion of the reproduce patterns is recorded as the secondreproduce control information, information relating to the tracks to bereproduced can be readily reproduced without involvement of complicatedprocessing.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there isprovided, preferably, the second reproduce control, preferably, theprogram area comprises an audio zone in which the substantial datachiefly comprise audio data; and the second reproduce controlinformation is recorded at the head of the audio zone.

As a result, the second reproduce control information can be obtainedprior to reproduce of the substantial data.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there isprovided, preferably, the program area comprises an audio zone in whichthe substantial data chiefly comprise audio data, and a video zone inwhich the substantial data chiefly comprise video data; and the secondreproduce control information is recorded at the head of the audio zone.

As a result, the second reproduce control information can be obtainedprior to reproduce of the substantial data. Further, only audio data ofthe substantial data in the video zone can be reproduced by use of thesecond reproduce control information.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is providedan information reproducing apparatus for reproducing an informationrecording medium on which are recorded substantial data, first reproducecontrol information required for reproducing the substantial data in allavailable reproduce patterns, and second reproduce control informationrequired for reproducing the substantial data in a part of all theavailable reproduce patterns, the player comprising: reading means forreading information from the information recording medium; and reproduceprocessing means capable of reproducing the substantial data in aportion of the available reproduce patterns, wherein the reproduceprocessing means acquires the second reproduce control information priorto any of the substantial data, stores the thus-acquired secondreproduce control information into storage means, and plays back thesubstantial data on the basis of the second reproduce controlinformation.

As a result, the substantial data can be reproduced by reading thesecond reproduce control information, and a necessity for extractingrequired reproduce control information from the first reproduce controlinformation may be eliminated, thus enabling simplification of reproduceprocessing.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided,preferably, the substantial data are divided into one or a plurality oftracks and are defined as one or a plurality of titles, eachcorresponding to a logical set comprising one or the plurality oftracks; the player further comprises means for specifying a track to bereproduced; and the reproduce processing means acquires informationrelating to the thus-specified track from the second reproduce controlinformation stored in the storage means.

As a result, information relating to a track to be reproduced can bereadily obtained without involvement of complicated processing.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there isprovided, preferably, a signal embodied in a carrier wave comprising:substantial data, and reproduce control information for reproducing thesubstantial data, the reproduce control information comprising; firstreproduce control information required for reproducing the substantialdata in all available reproduce patterns; and second reproduce controlinformation required for reproducing the substantial data in a part ofall the available reproduce patterns.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there isprovided, preferably, the signal as defined in the eleventh aspect,wherein the substantial data are divided into one or a plurality oftracks and are defined as one or a plurality of titles, eachcorresponding to a logical set comprising one or the plurality oftracks; the first reproduce control information is recorded on aper-title basis so as to spread over the information recording medium;and the second reproduce control information corresponds to reproducecontrol information items about the tracks recorded on the informationrecording medium being collectively recorded in a predetermined locationof a program area.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there isprovided, preferably, the signal as defined in the twelfth aspect,wherein the tracks comprise: tracks to be reproduced in all thereproduce patterns; and tracks to be reproduced in only a portion of thereproduce patterns.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there isprovided, preferably, the signal as defined in the twelfth aspect,wherein the first reproduce control information corresponds to reproducecontrol information used in an information reproducing apparatus capableof reproducing all the tracks; and the second reproduce controlinformation corresponds to reproduce control information used with aninformation reproducing apparatus capable of reproducing a portion ofthe tracks.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there isprovided, preferably, the signal as defined in the eleventh aspect,wherein the first reproduce control information corresponds to reproducecontrol information used with an information reproducing apparatuscapable of reproducing the substantial data in all the availablereproduce patterns; and the second reproduce control informationcorresponds to reproduce control information used with an informationreproducing apparatus capable of reproducing the substantial data in aportion of the reproduce patterns.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there isprovided, preferably, the signal as defined in the twelfth aspect,wherein the second reproduce control information comprises at leastaddress information, attribute information, and reproduce times relatingto the tracks.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there isprovided, preferably, the signal as defined in the aspect twelfth,wherein the program area comprises an audio zone in which thesubstantial data chiefly comprise audio data; and the second reproducecontrol information is recorded at the head of the audio zone.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, there isprovided, preferably, the signal as defined in the twelfth aspect,wherein the program area comprises an audio zone in which thesubstantial data chiefly comprise audio data, and a video zone in whichthe substantial data chiefly comprise video data; and the secondreproduce control information is recorded at the head of the audio zone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation showing the physical structure (orphysical format) of a DVD video format;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation showing the physical structure (orphysical format) of the DVD video format;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation showing the physical structure (orphysical format) of a DVD audio format;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation showing the physical structure (orphysical format) of the DVD audio format;

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation showing the types of DVDs;

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation showing one example of avideo-audio compatible DVD;

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation showing the concept of doublemanagement of the same object;

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation showing an example of navigationinformation specified for the video-audio compatible DVD shown in FIG.6;

FIG. 9 is a table showing data to be written in a SAPPT;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation showing the physical layout ofdata on the disk;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a video DVDplayer;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an audio DVDplayer;

FIG. 13 shows a block diagram showing the configuration of an audiodecoder;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing reproduce operations when the player usesfirst reproduce control information;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing reproduce operations when the player usesthe first reproduce control information;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing reproduce operations when the player usesthe first reproduce control information;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing reproduce operations when the player usessecond reproduce control information;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing reproduce operations when the player usesthe second reproduce control information; and

FIG. 19 is a schematic representation showing one example of a logicalstructure of an audio-only DVD.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be describedhereinafter by reference to the accompanying drawings.

(1) DVD Video Format

A format (or a physical recording format) in which video data and sounddata (including music data, and the same applies to any counterparts inthe following descriptions) are recorded on a video DVD will be firstdescribed by reference to FIG. 1.

(1.1) Physical Format

As shown in FIG. 1, a lead-in area LI is formed at the innermostperipheral area of a video DVD 1, and a lead-out area LO is formed atthe outermost peripheral area of the same. The space between the lead-inarea LI and the lead-out area LO corresponds to a volume space. Videoand audio data are recorded in the volume space in such a way as tobecome divided into a plurality of VTSs (Video Title Sets) 4 (VTS#1 toVTS#n), each of which is assigned an identification (ID) number. A VTSis a set (or group) of relevant selections, such as movies, which areprovided to the audience by the producer(s) and are identical with oneanother in terms of attributes, such as the number of audio andsub-picture data sets, specifications, and available language(s).

A universal disk format (UDF) 2 is recorded so as to be located adjacentto and outward from the lead-in area LI and comprises information formanaging the format of files recorded on the disk. Further, a videomanager (VMG) 3 is recorded so as to adjoin the UDF 2. The informationwritten in the VMG 3 comprises a menu for providing options to the user,information for the purpose of blocking unauthorized duplication of thedisk, an access table for enabling the user to access individual titles(i.e., selections), and management information for managing the entiretyof the video and audio data recorded on the video DVD 1.

Video and audio data are recorded in one VTSs 4 so as to become dividedinto a plurality of video objects (VOBs) 10, each of which is assignedan ID number, and these VOBs 10 are preceded by video title setinformation (VTSI) 11. The plurality of VOBs 10 are collectivelyreferred to as a VOB set (VOBS).

The VTSI 11 recorded at the head of the VTS 4 comprises information,such as program chain information (PGCI), which serves as firstreproduce control information about a program chain relating to a logicsegment made by combination of a plurality of cells (which will bedescribed later). In each VOB 10, a substantial portion of the video andaudio data is recorded.

A single VOB 10 comprises a plurality of cells 20, each of which isassigned an ID number, and a single cell 20 comprises a plurality of VOBunits (VOBUs) 30, each of which is assigned an ID number. The VOBU 30 isa single unit comprising video, audio, or sub-picture data (dataregarding sub-pictures such as subtitles of a movie) or a navigationpack to be described later.

A single VOBU 30 comprises a navigation pack 41 storing information forcontrolling the video data included in the VOBU 30; a video pack 42including video data; an audio pack 43 including audio data; and asub-picture pack 44 including sub-picture data. Only videos are recordedin the form of video data, and only sound selections are recorded in theform of audio data. Only graphic data, such as text and graphics, arerecorded in the form of sub-picture data.

In a pack header recorded at the head of each pack (P), there arerecorded start time information, which is called a system clockreference (SCR) and represents a reproduce start time at which the dataincluded in each pack P are read from a track buffer of an informationreproducing apparatus (which will be described later) and are enteredinto individual buffers, and a start code representing the start of thepack P.

The navigation pack 41 comprises data search information (DSI) data 51serving as retrieval information for retrieving video or soundselections desired to be reproduced and displayed (more specifically, anaddress on the DVD where the video or sound selections desired to bereproduced are recorded), and presentation control information (PCI)data 50 for controlling reproduce and displaying the video or soundselection retrieved on the basis of the DSI data 51.

All the video packs 42 included in a single VOBU 30 are formed from oneor a plurality of groups of pictures (GOPs).

The GOP is the minimum video unit which can be reproduced solely and isdefined by MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) 2, which is adopted as apicture compression method for recording video data on the DVD 1according to the present embodiment.

By use of the hierarchical recording format that has been described withreference FIG. 1, a producer (hereinafter simply referred to as a“producer”) who produces the data to be recorded on the DVD 1 setssegments freely, as intended, and the data are recorded in thethus-determined segments. Data are reproduced according to a logicalstructure (which will be described later) on a per-segment basis, thusproviding a variety of reproduce patterns.

(1.2) Logical Format

With reference to FIG. 2, a logical format (or logical structure) formedby combination of the data recorded in the physical segments shown inFIG. 1 will now be described. Data are not actually recorded on the DVD1 according to the logical structure shown in FIG. 2; rather, thelogical structure shown in FIG. 2 provides the format used forrecording, on the DVD 1; particularly, in the VTSI 11, reproduce controlinformation (access or time information) used for reproducing individualdata sets (particularly cells 20) shown in FIG. 1.

For convenience of explanation, the logical format shown in FIG. 2 isdescribed from the bottommost row. A single program 60 is logicallyconstituted by selective combination of the plurality of cells 20 of thephysical structure described by reference to FIG. 1. The producer maydefine one program 60 or a plurality of programs 60 as the minimum unitwhich the audience can freely select and watch. This unit is referred toas a part of a title (PTT). The number of a single cell 20 is handled asa cell ID number (shown as a cell ID number in FIG. 1) when the cell 20is handled according to the physical format shown in FIG. 1.

A single PGC (program chain) 61 is logically constituted by combinationof a plurality of programs 60. The previously-described PGCI is definedfor each PGC 61. The PGCI comprises the sequence in which the cells 20of each program 60 are reproduced at the time of reproduce of individualprograms 60 (according to this sequence, a unique program number isassigned to each program 60), the addresses on the DVD 1 at which theindividual cells 20 are recorded, and the number of the head cell 20 tobe reproduced in one program 60.

In addition to the PGCI, a single PGC 61 comprises substantial video andaudio data as a combination of programs 60 (in other words, as acombination of the cells 20). A single title 62 is logically formed byone or a plurality of PGCs 61. For example, the title 62 corresponds tovideo information for one selection (film) and is complete informationprovided to the viewer of the DVD 1 by the producer. A single VTS 63 islogically formed from one or a plurality of titles 62.

The data corresponding to a single VTS 63 shown in FIG. 2 matches thedata included in a single VTS 4 shown in FIG. 1. More specifically, allthe data logically included in the VTS 63 shown in FIG. 2 arecollectively recorded as a single VTS 4.

On the basis of the logical format described above, a video or soundselection to be enjoyed by the viewer is produced by the producerdesignating the data segmented according to the physical structure.

(2) DVD Audio Format

A format (a physical recording format) in which audio data (includingmusic and sound data, and the same applies to any counterparts in thefollowing descriptions) are recorded on an audio DVD will now bedescribed by reference to FIG. 3.

(2.1) Physical Format

A physical format (physical recording format) on the audio DVD willfirst be described by reference to FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, a lead-in area LI is formed at the innermostperipheral area of an audio DVD 200 according to the present embodiment,and a lead-out area LO is formed at the outermost peripheral area of thesame. The space between the lead-in area LI and the lead-out area LOcorresponds to a single volume space. Inevitably, audio zones areprovided in the volume space. In each audio zone, audio data arerecorded so as to become divided into a plurality of audio title sets(ATSs) 203 (ATS#1 to ATS#n), each of which is assigned an identification(ID) number.

A universal disk format (UDF) 201 is recorded so as to be locatedadjacent to and outward from the lead-in area LI and comprisesinformation for managing the format of files recorded on the disk.Further, a simple audio part table (SAPPT) 204 is recorded so as toadjoin the UDF 2. The SAPPT 204 is recorded on the DVD disk having anaudio zone. Although the SAPPT 204 is recorded at the head of the audiozone in FIG. 3, the SAPPT 204 may alternatively be recorded in thelead-in area or an audio manager (AMG) 202 (which will be describedbelow).

The AMG 202 is recorded so as to adjoin the SAPPT 204. The informationwritten in the AMG 202 comprises a menu for providing options to theuser, information provided for the purpose of blocking unauthorizedduplication of the disk, an access table for enabling the user to accessindividual titles, and management information for managing the entiretyof the audio data recorded on the audio DVD 200.

A single ATS 203 comprises a plurality of audio objects (AOBs) 210, eachof which is assigned an ID number, and the audio objects 210 are led byaudio title set information (ATSI) 211. The plurality of AOBs 210constitute an AOB set (AOBS) which corresponds to a substantial portionof the audio data.

The ATSI 211 recorded at the head of the ATS 203 comprises information,such as program chain information (APGCI), which serves as firstreproduce control information about a program chain relating to a logicsegment made by combination of a plurality of cells (which will bedescribed later) In each AOB 210, a substantial portion of the audiodata is recorded, and a single AOB 210 comprises a plurality of cells220, each of which is assigned an ID number.

A single cell 220 comprises a plurality of audio packs 230 or areal-time information pack 231 and a plurality of audio packs 230. Theaudio pack 230 is formed by packaging audio data to be recorded on theaudio DVD 200 into a pack in units of predetermined size. For example,audio data digitized by linear PCM are included in the audio data. Thereal-time information pack 231 includes text information, bits perminute (BPM), bit data, etc.

By use of the hierarchical recording format that has been described withreference FIG. 3, a producer (hereinafter simply referred to as a“producer”) who produces the data to be recorded on the audio DVD 200freely sets segments, as intended, and the data are recorded in thethus-determined segments. Data are reproduced according to a logicalstructure (which will be described later) on a per-segment basis, thusproviding a variety of reproduce patterns.

(2.2) Logical Format

With reference to FIG. 4, a logical format (or logical structure) formedby combination of the data recorded in the physical segments shown inFIG. 3 will now be described. Data are not actually recorded on theaudio DVD 200 according to the logical structure shown in FIG. 4;rather, audio data are recorded on the audio DVD 200 according to thephysical format shown in FIG. 3. The information used for reproducingthe audio data is recorded on the previously-described AMG 202 or ATSI211 according to the logical format shown in FIG. 4.

For convenience of explanation, the logical format shown in FIG. 4 isdescribed from the bottommost row. An index 259 is formed by one cell220 or selective combination of a plurality of cells 220 provided in thephysical structure described by reference to FIG. 3. The index may beused as a musical selection and serves as a minimum unit accessible tothe user.

A single track 260 is logically formed from one index 2S9 or a pluralityof indices 259. The track 260 serves as an information unitcorresponding to one selection. The user can select and access anarbitrary selection (music) directly. When a single cell 220 is handledaccording to the physical format shown in FIG. 3, the number of thesingle cell 220 is taken as a cell ID number (represented as cell ID# inFIG. 3). In contrast, when a plurality of cells 220 are handledaccording to a logical format shown in FIG. 4, the numbers of the cells220 are taken as cell numbers in the sequence in which the cells 220 aredescribed in the APGCI (which will be described later).

The track 260 (musical selection) is a data unit including a pluralityof cells and a cluster of cells possessing a certain common attribute.In other words, all the cells within a track possess the same attribute.Further, all the cells included in a track are recorded so as to becomeadjacent to one another within the same object.

A single title 261 is logically formed from one track 260 or bycombination of a plurality of tracks 260. However, the title 261 per seis not acknowledged as a means of access by the user. Therefore, theuser cannot access an arbitrary title by designation of a title number.

The DVD audio format enables the attributes of the individual tracks 260constituting the title 261 to be independently defined in a maximum ofeight patterns. Specifically, the attribute of the track 260 serving asaudio data, such as the number of channels, a quantization method, or asampling frequency, may be changed from track to track.

The previously-described APGCI is defined for each title 261. The APGCIcomprises the attributes of individual tracks 260, the sequence in whichthe cells 220 are reproduced in each track at the time of reproduce ofeach of the tracks 260, the addresses on the audio DVD 200 in which thecells 220 are recorded, the number assigned to the cell 220 provided atthe head of a single track 260, the method by which each of the tracks260 is reproduced, and various commands.

In addition to the AGPCI, a single title 261 comprises substantial audiodata in the form of a combination of tracks (musical selections) 260 (inother words, in the form of a combination of the cells 220).

A single title group 262 is logically formed from one title 261 or aplurality of titles 261. Further, the title group 262 serves as thelargest unit accessible to the user, and a maximum of nine title groups262 can be defined in one volume. The title group 262 is formed from onetitle 261 or a plurality of titles 261 aggregated on the basis ofcertain relevance. All the titles 261 provided in one title group arereproduced in succession. For instance, albums of a certain singer orcomposer may be aggregated into one title group.

A single volume 263 is logically formed from one title group 262 or aplurality of title groups 262. The volume 263 is an information unitcorresponding to a single album (DVD). Audio data aggregated under onetitle shown in FIG. 4 are actually recorded in any one of the ATSs 203on the audio DVD 200 shown in FIG. 3.

Music is reproduced for the viewer by the producer designating the datasegmented according to the physical structure, on the basis of thepreviously-described logical format.

(3) Types of DVDs

The types of DVDs will now be described. In the following description,data which comprise video and audio data and are to be recorded on aDVD, such as a movie, will often be referred to as “AV data.” Dataregarding solely video selections are referred to as “video data,” anddata regarding solely audio selections are referred to as “audio data.”

DVD players for reproducing various types of DVDs comprise four types:namely, a video DVD player (hereinafter referred to as a “video player”)capable of reproducing AV data recorded according to a DVD video format;an audio DVD player (hereinafter referred to as an “audio player”) whichplays back in various reproduce patterns audio data recorded accordingto a DVD audio format; an unsophisticated audio DVD player (i.e. asimple audio player) (hereinafter referred to as an “unsophisticatedaudio player”) which plays back in two channels LPCM audio data recordedaccording to a DVD audio format; and a compatible DVD player(hereinafter referred to as a “compatible player”) capable ofreproducing both AV data recorded according to the DVD video format andaudio data recorded according to a DVD audio format. Detaileddescription of the individual DVD players will be provided later.

DVDs for recording AV or audio data comprise four types; namely, a videoDVD, a video DVD having audio navigation; an audio-only DVD, and anaudio-video compatible DVD. FIG. 5 schematically shows the physicalformat of each of the four types of DVDs. All these DVDs are identicalwith one another in terms of a disk shape and a data recording method(i.e., a modulating method, a track pitch, a pit size, etc.) and differfrom one another only in terms of contents of information (hereinafterreferred to simply as “contents”).

(3.1) Video DVD

The top row in FIG. 5 represents a video DVD. Video data recordedaccording to a DVD video format, such as a movie, and audio data to bereproduced simultaneously with reproduce of the video data (in short, AVdata) are recorded on this disk. Accordingly, only a video zone existsin the recording area between the lead-in area LI and the lead-out areaLO. The reproduce control information, video data, and audio data arerecorded in a plurality of VTSs, and information for controlling theVTSs is recorded as VMG. As has been described with reference to FIG. 1,video data are recorded in the form of video packs, and audio data arerecorded in the form of audio packs.

The video DVD is reproduced by a video player or a compatible player onthe basis of navigation information (for specifying reproduce controlinformation, which will be described later) included in the managementinformation recorded in the VMG. However, since the navigationinformation is not recorded according to the DVD audio format, the audioplayer cannot reproduce the video DVD.

(3.2) Video DVD Having Audio Navigation

The second row shown in FIG. 5 represents one type of video disk, calleda video DVD having audio navigation. The video DVD having audionavigation enables reproduce of the video data (including audio dataaccompanied by the video data) recorded according to the DVD videoformat, by use of a video player. Further, since the navigation data arealso recorded in the video DVD according to the DVD audio format, onlythe audio data of the AV data recorded in the VOBs within the VTS can bereproduced by use of an audio player. The portion of the AV data thatenables the audio player to reproduce only the audio data will behereinafter referred to as an “audio play portion.” The recording formatof the video DVD having audio navigation complies with the DVD videoformat shown in FIG. 1, and AV data are recorded in the form of aplurality of VTSs within the video zone. Further, in the video DVDhaving audio navigation, each ATSI—which includes the first reproducecontrol information required for reproducing only the audio data withinthe VTS pursuant to the DVD audio format—is recorded as an ATS in anaudio zone provided in front of the video zone. Furthermore, an AMG isrecorded as information for managing the ATS(s). The AOBs constituting asubstantial portion of the audio data are not recorded in the ATS. Inthe AMG and the ATSIs there is described navigation information usedwhen the audio player plays back the audio data [more specifically, theaudio play portion packs (see FIG. 1) within each VOB] included in eachVTS on the video DVD having audio navigation. The SAPPT including thesecond reproduce control information is recorded at the head of theaudio zone.

A video player or a compatible player plays back the video DVD havingaudio navigation, on the basis of the navigation information recorded inthe VMG and the first reproduce control information recorded in the VTSI(s). The audio data recorded in the audio play portion are reproduced invarious patterns according to the capability of the audio player, on thebasis of the navigation information recorded in the AMG and the firstreproduce control information recorded in the ATSI. The LPC data in theaudio play part are reproduced over two channels, on the basis of themanagement information and the second reproduce control informationrecorded in the SAPPT, by means of an unsophisticated portable audioplayer.

(3.3) Audio-Only DVD

The third row represents an audio-only DVD. With the possible exceptionof a few still images and a small amount of text data, only the audiodata, are recorded on this audio-only DVD. Accordingly, only the audiozone pursuant to the DVD audio format is present in the recording areabetween the lead-in area LI and the lead-out area LO. A plurality ofATSs, each of which comprises an ATSI and AOBs, are recorded in theaudio zone, and an AMG including information for managing the ATSs isalso recorded in the audio zone. Further, an SAPPT is recorded at thehead of the audio zone.

Each of the ATSs comprises one or more AOBs, which constitute(s) asubstantial portion of the audio data. In the audio-only DVD, the audiodata within the audio zone are reproduced in various reproduce patternson the basis of the navigation information recorded in the AMG and thefirst reproduce data recorded in the ATSI, by means of and according tothe capabilities of an audio player or a compatible player. Further, theLPC data within the audio zone are reproduced by an unsophisticatedportable audio player over two channels on the basis of the managementinformation recorded in the SAPPT and the second reproduce controlinformation.

Since the navigation information is not recorded in the DVD in the DVDvideo format on the audio-only DVD, the video player cannot reproducethe audio-only DVD.

(3.4) Audio-video Compatible DVD

The bottom row shown in FIG. 5 represents an audio-video compatible DVD.An audio zone and a video zone are provided between the lead-in LI andthe lead-out LO. The VMG pursuant to the DVD video format and the VTSsincluding first reproduce information and substantial AV data (VOBs) arerecorded in the video zone, as in the case with the video DVD.

The SAPPT including the second reproduce control information is recordedat the head of the audio zone according to the DVD audio format. As inthe case with the audio-only DVD, there are recorded in the audio zonethe ATS (ATS #3 in the drawing) that includes only the reproduceinformation used for reproducing only the audio data of the VOBs servingas the audio play portion within the VTSs of the video zone as well as aplurality of ATSs (ATSs #1 and #2 in the drawing) including thereproduce information and substantial audio data. In the audio-videocompatible DVD, the AV data pursuant to the DVD video format and theaudio data pursuant to the DVD audio format are separately recorded indifferent locations.

In the case of the audio-video compatible DVD, the AMG includesinformation for managing all the ATSs within the audio zone as well asinformation for managing both all the ATSs and all the VTSs within thevideo and audio zones. Further, even the SAPPT includes information formanaging all the ATSs and all the VTSs within the audio and video zones.The management information included in the SAPPT relates solely to theLPCM data which can be reproduced over two channels in both zones.

The audio-video compatible DVD differs from the video disk having audionavigation and the audio-only DVD in that the recording area of the diskis separated into the audio zone and the video zone, that the AV datapursuant to the DVD video format and the audio data pursuant to the DVDaudio format are recorded in the respective zones, and that the AMG andthe SAPPT recorded in the audio zone include the information formanaging all the ATSs and all the VTSs within the disk.

More specifically, in the video disk having audio navigation, the audiodata are recorded in the DVD video format on a per-pack basis within theVOB so as to be superimposed on the video data. The APGCI that is thefirst reproduce control information for reproducing the audio datarecorded in the VOBs constitutes the ATS as the ATSI. The AMG managessolely the ATSs. The information for managing the titles within thevideo zone is not recorded in the AMG. Similarly, navigation informationrelating to the audio play part of the video zone is described even inthe SAPPT.

In contrast, in the audio-video compatible DVD, the location in whichthe audio data are recorded in the DVD audio format is separate from thelocation in which the AV data are recorded in the DVD video format. Inthe audio zone, the substantial portion of the audio data is recorded inthe form of a plurality of AOBs in each ATS according to the DVD audioformat shown in FIG. 3. Further, there are recorded two types of ATSs;namely, an ATS formed by recording in the ATSI the APGCI thatconstitutes information for controlling reproducing the audio data ineach of the ATSs, and another ATS formed by recording, as the APGCI inthe ATSI, the first reproduce control information for reproducing theaudio data recorded in the VOBs in the VTS in the video zone. In otherwords, regardless of the zone, all the first reproduce controlinformation items for reproducing the audio data are managed by the AMGby way of the ATS.

Of the tracks relevant to reproduce of the LPCM audio data recorded inall the ATSs and in all the VTSs, information relating to the trackswhich can be reproduced over two channels is recorded in the SAPPT assecond reproduce control information.

The AV data are recorded in the form of a plurality of VTSs in the videozone, and the first reproduce control information for reproducing the AVdata in each of the VTSs is recorded as the PGCI in the VTSI. All theVTSs are managed by the VMG. Further, the AMG also manages all the firstreproduce control information items relating to the reproduce of the AVdata in the video zone. More specifically, in the case of the audio-onlyDVD and the audio-video compatible DVD, the AMG serves as generalmanagement information. In the case of the video DVD, the VMG chieflyserves as management information. In the case of the video DVD havingaudio navigation, the AMG manages only the reproduce of the audio data(audio titles) within the VOBs by the audio player and does not managevideo titles.

In the case of the audio-only DVD and the audio-video compatible DVD,the SAPPT serves as general management information for reproducing theLPCM audio information over two channels by use of the unsophisticatedaudio player. In the case of the video DVD, since there is no SAPPT, theunsophisticated player cannot reproduce only the audio data even if theaudio data are recorded through LPCM. In the case of the video DVDhaving audio navigation, the SAPPT manages only the reproduce of LPCMaudio data (i.e., audio titles) in the audio display part within the VOBby the unsophisticated audio player and does not manage video titles.

By means of the above-described DVD architecture, optimum reproduce ofdata can be effected according to the capability of the player, andconsistent interchangeability between each type of the DVD and acorresponding player can be fulfilled.

(4) Title Reproduce Control

Title reproduce control using the first reproduce control informationwill now be described in more detail. The title comprises the AV datarecorded on the DVD, the substantial data such as audio Data, and thereproduce control information representing the procedures used inreproducing these data sets (see the title 62 shown in FIG. 2 and thetitle 261 shown in FIG. 4). Specifically, the title represent a seriesof selections having a common reproduce pattern (i.e., presentation ofthe selections) or a part of a selection. A title pursuant to the DVDaudio format and reproduce control of the title will now be described byreference to an audio-video compatible disk.

(4.1) Types of Titles

The title (e.g., the title 261 shown in FIG. 4) recorded on the audioDVD is classified into an audio title formed by reproduce of the audiodata within the audio zone (hereinafter referred to also as an “audioonly title (AOTT),” and a video title formed by reproducing the AV datawithin the video zone. Further, the video title is classified into twotypes; namely, an image-only title (hereinafter referred to also as an“audio video title (AVTT),” and a video-audio compatible title(hereinafter referred to also as an “audio video title/audio-only title(AVTT/AOTT).” A title pursuant to the DVD video format is only animage-only title (AVTT).

In relation to the AOTT, only the audio data are reproduced. Thesubstantial portion of the audio data is formed from the audio datarecorded in the AOBs within the audio zone.

In relation to the AVTT, inevitably the audio data are reproduced inconjunction with the video data. The substantial portion of the audiodata is formed from the AV data recorded in the VOBs within the videozone. Reproduce of only the video data of the AVTT is not allowed, andinevitably the audio data are reproduced together with the video data.

In relation to the AVTT/AOTT, only the audio data can be reproduced, andthe audio data can be reproduced as the AV data together with the videodata (i.e., the AVTT/AOTT can be said to be a compatible title). Ineither case, the substantial portion of the audio data is formed fromthe AV data recorded in the VOBs within the video zone. Whether theAVTT/AOTT is reproduced as the AV data or the audio data is dependent onthe capability of the player. If an information reproducing apparatusdoes not have a capability of reproducing AV data (audio player), theplayer plays back the AVTT/AOTT only as audio data. In contrast, if aninformation reproducing apparatus has a capability of reproducing AVdata (e.g., a video player or a compatible player), the player playsback the AVTT/AOTT as video data in conjunction with audio data.

In the AMG, two navigation information items are separately recorded;namely, navigation information for use with an audio player andnavigation information for use with a compatible player. The navigationinformation for use with an audio player corresponds to an audio titlesearch pointer in which is described navigation information forreproducing only the audio data of the audio title (AOTT) formed fromthe audio data recorded in the AOBs within the audio zone and only theaudio data of the compatible title formed from AV data recorded in theVOBs in the video zone. This audio title search pointer is recorded inan audio-only title search pointer table (AOTT_SRPT). An audio titlesearch pointer, which is navigation information for use with acompatible player capable of reproducing all types of titles, isrecorded in an audio title search pointer table (ATT_SRPT). Thesenavigation information items will be described in more detail byreference to FIG. 8.

When the audio-video compatible DVD is reproduced by a video player, theAV data recorded in the individual VTSs are reproduced according to thenavigation information for use with a video player recorded in the VMGwithin the video zone and the PGCI serving as the first reproducecontrol information recorded in the VTSI. When the audio-videocompatible DVD is reproduced by use of the audio player, audio data arereproduced according to the APGCI serving as the first reproduce controlinformation for use with an audio player recorded in the ATSI, byreference to the AOTT_SRPT described in the AMG within the audio zone.In relation to reproduce of the audio data by an audio player, there aretwo cases. In one case, the audio player plays back the audio datarecorded in the AOBs according to the navigation information recorded inthe VMG within the video zone and the PGCI serving as the firstreproduce control information recorded in the VTSI. In the other case,the audio player plays back the audio-video compatible title(AVTT/AOTT). Specifically, as in the case with a video disk having audionavigation, the audio player plays back the audio data recorded in theVTSs within the video zone according to the navigation informationrecorded in the AMG within the audio zone and the APGCI serving as thefirst reproduce control information recorded in the ATSI. In the lattercase, the video player plays back an object as AV data accompaniedvideos, and the audio player plays back only the audio data of the sameobject.

When a compatible player plays back the audio-video compatible DVD, theaudio data recorded in the audio zone and the AV data recorded in thevideo zone are reproduced in an integrated manner according to thereproduce control information recorded in the ATSI and VTSI while theATT_SRPT, which serves as navigation information for use with acompatible player and is recorded in the AMG within the audio zone, isreferred to. Each title recorded on the audio-video compatible DVD ismanaged by the AMG and is classified as one of the three types of titlesof the DVD audio format.

Now, there will be described a case where the audio-video compatible DVDhaving the logical format shown in FIG. 6 is reproduced by use of acompatible player having the capability of reproducing both datapursuant to the DVD audio format and data pursuant to the DVD videoformat. In the audio-video compatible DVD, the volume comprises seventitle groups ranging from #1 to #7, and each title group comprises onetitle. Further, a single title comprises one or a plurality of tracks.In FIG. 6, the left column schematically represents navigationinformation (ATT_SRPT) for use with a compatible player; the centercolumn schematically represents the navigation information (TT_SRPT) foruse with the video player; and the right column schematically representsnavigation information for use with the audio player (AOTT_SRPT).

Titles #2 and #5 represent AOTTs. At the time of reproduce of thesetitles, only the audio data recorded in the AOBs within the audio zoneof the audio-video compatible DVD are reproduced. Titles #4, #6, and #7represent AVTTs. At the time of reproduce of these titles, the AV datarecorded in the VOBs within the video zone of the audio-video compatibleDVD are reproduced. Accordingly, video and audio selections areinevitably reproduced. Titles #1 and #3 represent AVTT/AOTTs. At thetime of reproduce of these titles, the compatible player plays back bothaudio and video data, on the basis of the video and audio informationitems recorded in the VOBs within the video zone of the audio-videocompatible DVD.

When an audio player having no capability of reproducing video dataplays back titles #1 and #3, only the audio data recorded in the VOBswithin the video zone on the audio-video compatible DVD are reproduced(see the right column shown in FIG. 6). More specifically, the AVTT/AOTTtitle is prepared such that the data recorded under this title arereproduced under a method which enables delivery of maximum performanceof the player used for reproducing the DVD disk according to thecapacity thereof.

In order to avoid confusion that could otherwise arise at the time ofreproduce of the title group, by agreement the AVTT cannot constitute atitle group along with titles of another type (such as AOTT andAVTT/AOTT).

(4.2) Dual Management of VOB

An explanation will be given of the concept of the PGCI and APGCIspecified in relation to the VOBs within the video zone of theaudio-video compatible DVD. The video and audio data are recorded in theVOBs while they are multiplexed. The data recorded in the VOBs arereproduced according to the PGCI, so that the data are reproduced as AVdata. Such reproduce of data is identical in concept with reproduce ofthe data recorded on the video DVD. As mentioned above, the way in whichAV data are recorded on and reproduced from the audio DVD is set so asto comply with the video format, hence maintaining theinterchangeability between the video player and the audio DVD. Incontrast, when only the audio data recorded in the VOBs are reproduced,the data are reproduced according to the APGCI specified independentlyof the PGCI. Reproduce of the audio data according to the APGCI will nowbe described by reference to FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 schematically shows programs in a case where the data recorded inone VOB are reproduced as AV data according to PGCI and in a case wherethe data are reproduced as only audio data according to APGCI. In FIG.7, the VOB comprises video data, sub-picture data, and audio data. Whenthe data recorded in the VOB are reproduced as AV data, reproduce of thedata is controlled according to the PGCI. According to the PGCI, the VOBis separated into six video cells #1 to #6. Video program #1 is formedfrom video cell #1; video program #2 is formed from video cells #2 to#4; and video program #3 is formed from video cell #6. Like the case ofAVTT/AOTT, when the AV data are reproduced by use of a video player anda compatible player, AV data are reproduced according to the PGCI.

When the audio player plays back only the audio data from the same VOB,the audio data are reproduced according to the APGCI. The audio programdefined by the AGPCI is formed from one or 2 or more audio cells. Evenfor the same object (VOB), audio cells can be defined so as to differfrom (or become independent of) video cells (as a matter of course,audio cells maybe defined so as to become match video cells).Specifically, the start and end positions of each audio cell can be setindependently of those of the video cell. Further, the sequence definedby the APGCI in which audio cells are reproduced may be definedindependently of the sequence defined by the PGCI in which video cellsare reproduced.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the audio program #1 is formed from theaudio cells #1 and #2, and the audio program #2 is formed from the audiocell #3. The APGCI comprises the information relating to the recordingpositions of the audio cells included in the audio program and thesequence in which the audio cells are reproduced. On the basis of theAPGCI, the audio data are reproduced.

Thus, the reason why the audio cells can be defined independently of thevideo cells is that the audio data and the AV data are managedindependently of each other. As a result, when only the audio datarecorded in the VOB are reproduced, time control can be effectedindependently of time control relating to AV data. Even when only theaudio data of the AV data are reproduced, the substantial portion of theaudio data can be reproduced. As a matter of course, the audio cells maybe defined so as to become identical with the video cells.

(4.3) First Reproduce Control Information

Reproduce control of each of the previously-described titles recorded onthe audio-video compatible DVD by use of first reproduce control willnow be described by reference to FIGS. 6 and 8. The first reproducecontrol information refers to the ATT_SRPT and AOTT_SRPT recorded in theAMG, the TT_SRPT recorded in the VMG, the APGCI recorded in the ATS, andthe PGCI recorded in the VTS.

FIG. 8 represents an example of navigation data recorded on theaudio-video compatible DVD. As mentioned previously, the audio-videocompatible DVD comprises a video zone pursuant to the DVD video formatand an audio zone pursuant to the DVD audio format. The data that can bereproduced from the audio-video are AV data (video data including audio)such as a movie and audio data. Navigation information items for thepurpose of preventing chaos or contradiction from arising when data arereproduced by a corresponding type of an information reproducingapparatus are recorded on the audio-video compatible DVD independentlyof one another so as to correspond to individual types of players.

(4.3.1) AMG, ATSI, Title Search Pointer Table

As shown in FIG. 8, the audio-video compatible DVD comprises an audiozone and a video zone. The audio zone comprises the SAPPT 204, the AMG202, the ATS#1, the ATS#2, and the ATS#3. The ATS#1 is made up of theATSI 211 and AOBs 210, and the ATS#3 is made up of only the ATSI 212.Furthers the video zone comprises the VMG 3, the VTS#1, and the VTS#2.The VST#1 comprises the VTSI 11 and the VOBs 10.

The AMG 202 includes the AMGT (AMG Information) 240 that is asubstantial portion of the navigation information. The AMGI 240comprises an AMGI management table 241 including information relating tothe file size and the recording address of the AMGI 240; an ATT searchpointer table 242; and an AOTT search pointer table 243. The ATT is ageneric name of an audio title (AOTT) formed from only the audio data,an image-only title (AVTT) formed from AV data, and an image-audiocompatible title (AVTT/AOTT) formed from AV data.

The search point indicates the location on the DVD where the reproducecontrol information relating to each title (corresponding to the APGCIand PGCI in this example) is recorded. As mentioned previously, eachtitle comprises substantial data such as audio data and AV data, andreproduce control information for reproducing the substantial data incombination. The reproduce control information is recorded in the ATSIwithin the ATS or in the VTSI within the VTS. The search pointerindicates the location within the ATSI or VTSI where the reproducecontrol information of each title is recorded. The navigationinformation serves to control reproduce of each title. In the presentembodiment, the navigation information corresponds to a conceptincluding the previously-described search pointer.

In the ATT search pointer table 242 is described navigation informationused when a compatible player plays back individual titles recorded onthe audio-video compatible DVD. In the AOTT search pointer table 243,there is described navigation information used when an audio playerplays back individual titles recorded on the audio-video compatible DVD.There is a one-to-one correspondence between the audio search pointertable 242 and the AOTT search pointer table 243. The number of searchpointers described in the ATT search pointer table matches the number ofall the titles included in the audio-video compatible DVD. For example,as shown in FIG. 6, if a total of seven titles are included in theaudio-video compatible DVD, search pointers corresponding to therespective titles are described in the ATT search pointer table 242.Regardless of the types of titles, a frame for describing seven searchpointers is prepared even in the AOTT search pointer table 243. There isalso a one-to-one correspondence between the frames of the tables.

(4.3.1.1) ATT_SRP

The audio title search pointer (ATT_SRP) serves as navigationinformation used when the audio-video compatible DVD is reproduced by acompatible player. When the audio-video compatible DVD is loaded, thecompatible player plays back individual titles by reference to theATT_SRP. The example of navigation information shown in FIG. 8corresponds to the example of the audio-video compatible DVD shown inFIG. 6. Titles #1 and #2 correspond to a video-audio compatible title(AVTT/AOTT); titles #2 and #5 correspond to an audio title (AOTT); andtitles #4, #6, and #7 correspond to an image-only title (AVTT).

As has been described previously, three types of titles (AOTT,AVTT/AOTT, and AVTT) can be recorded on the audio-video compatible DVD.Consequently, in the audio-video compatible DVD, for each of the threetypes of titles (i.e., AOTT, AVTT/AOTT, and AVTT), a correspondingsearch pointer is described in the ATT search pointer table 242 of theAMG.

However, title search pointers 245 actually written into the ATT searchpointer table 242 shown in FIG. 8 correspond to only audio title searchpointers (AOTT_SRP) or video-only title search pointers (AVTT_SRP).Title search pointers relating to the image-audio compatible titles(AVTT_AOTT) are written into the ATT search pointer table 242 asvideo-only title search pointers (AVTT_SRP) (in the table shown in FIG.8, actual descriptions are enclosed in parentheses). The reason for thisis that the compatible player is not required to distinguish thevideo-audio compatible titles (AVTT/AOTT) from the video-only titles(AVTT). More specifically, the compatible player has the capability ofreproducing data pursuant to the DVD video format and plays back all thevideo-audio compatible titles as video data. Accordingly, in light ofnavigation information, the compatible player is not required todistinguish the video-only title search pointers (AVTT_SRP) relating tothe video-only title (AVTT) from the video-only title search pointers(AVTT_SRP) relating to the video-audio compatible title (AVTT/AOTT). Forthis reason, search pointers relating to all the titles associated withreproduce of a video are described in the form of a common format, i.e.,a video-only title search pointer (AVTT_SRP).

As can be seen from comparison of the left column shown in FIG. 6 withthe audio title search pointer table shown in FIG. 8, in the ATT searchpointer table 242 in which the navigation information for use with acompatible player is described, the video-only title search pointer(AVTT_SRP) is described for the video-only titles (titles #4, #6, and#7) and the video-audio compatible titles (titles #1 and #3). For theaudio titles (titles #2 and #5), an audio search title pointer(AOTT_SRP) is described in the ATT search pointer table 242. Asrepresented by the left column shown in FIG. 6, the compatible playerplays back the titles #1, #3, #4, #6, and #7 as AV data and plays backthe titles #2 and #5 as audio data, by reference to the ATT searchpointer table 242.

(4.3.1.2) AOTT_SRP

An audio title search pointer (AOTT_SRP) serving as navigationinformation for use with an audio player is described in the AOTT searchpointer table 243. When the video-audio compatible DVD is loaded, theaudio player plays back the DVD by reference to the AOTT search pointertable 243.

Search pointers relating to the audio titles (AOTT) and the video-audiocompatible titles (AVTT/AOTT) are written in the AOTT search pointertable 243. Since the audio player does not have any capacity ofreproducing AV data, there is no need to describe the search pointerrelating to the video-only title (AVTT). However, only the AOTT searchpointer (AOTT_SRP) is actually written in the AOTT search pointer table243. The audio player requires only the information specifying whetheror not the title enables reproduce of only audio data, and does notrequire a distinction between the audio title (AOTT) and the video-audiocompatible title (AVTT/AOTT). Accordingly, in the audio-only titlesearch pointer table (AOTT_SRPT) 243, the audio title (AOTT) is notdistinguished from the video-audio compatible title (AVTT/AOTT), andsearch pointers relating to all the titles are written in a commonformat, i.e., the AOTT search pointer (AOTT_SRP). As a result, for thevideo-audio compatible titles (AVTT/AOTT), the video-only title searchpointers (AVTT_SRP) are written in the ATT search pointer table 242, andthe audio title search pointers (AOTT_SRP) are described in the AOTTsearch pointer table 243.

Although only the frame to be used for describing the title searchpointers is available for the video-only titles (AVTT), substantialinformation is not described, or it is written that the titles are notassigned the AOTT_SRP (i.e., the titles do not permit reproduce of onlyaudio data). The reasons for this are that navigation information foruse with an audio player is written in the AOTT search pointer table 243and that the audio player cannot reproduce AV data. The audio playerdetermines that the data relating to the titles cannot be reproduced anddisregards the titles.

The audio player plays back the data provided in the right column shownin FIG. 6 by reference to the AOTT title search pointer table 243 thathas been described previously. More specifically, the audio playerdisregards the video-only titles #4, #6, and #7 and plays back the datarelating to the titles #1, #2, #3, and #5.

(4.3.2) VMG, VTSI, and Title Search Pointer

The VMG3 includes the VMGI (VMG Information), which is a substantialportion of the navigation information. The VMGI comprises a VMGImanagement table 250 including the file size and recording address ofthe VMGI, and a title search pointer table (TT_SRPT) 251. Navigationinformation regarding the video player is written in The title searchpointer table 251. The video player plays back the title according tothe procedure determined in the conventional DVD video formation, byreference to the title search pointer table (TT_SRPT) 251. The term“title” used herein comprises two types of titles; namely, a video-audiocompatible title (AVTT/AOTT) and a video-only title (AVTT). These twotypes of titles are not distinguished from each other in the titlesearch pointer table (TT_SRPT) 251, wherein all the titles are writtenas TT_SRP

As mentioned previously, in the audio-video compatible DVD, there areprepared navigation information sets optimized for the audio player, thevideo player, and the compatible player, respectively. These navigationinformation sets are recorded as three independent title search pointertables, thereby enabling optimum reproduce of data according to thecapability of each player.

(4.4) Structure of Search Pointer Table

The structure of the search pointer table will now be described in moredetail.

(4.4.1) ATT_SRPT, AOTT_SRPT, and TT_SRPT

The ATT search pointer table 242 includes ATT search pointer information(ATT_ARPTI) 244 including the number of ATT search pointers and aplurality of ATT search pointers 245 (many types of search pointers 245are collectively written as ATT_SRPS in FIG. 8). In FIG. 8, thedescriptions in parentheses represent the types of search pointerwritten as actual search pointers. As mentioned previously, eitherAOTT_SRP or AVTT_SRP is written as a search pointer in the ATT searchpointer table 242.

By reference to FIGS. 6 and 8, methods of reproducing the three types oftitles which can be recorded on the audio-video compatible DVD will bedescribed while they are classified according to the types of playerscapable of reproducing the titles.

Similarly, the AOTT search pointer table 243 includes AOTT searchpointer (AOTT_ARPTI) information 246 including the number of AOTT searchpointers and a plurality of search pointers 247 (collectively written asAOTT_SRPS in FIG. 8). In FIG. 8, the description in parentheses relatingto each AOTT search pointer represents the type of search pointer to beactually written as the search pointer. As mentioned previously, in theAOTT search pointer table 243 all the search pointers are written asAOTT_SRPT.

The ATT search pointer and the AOTT search pointer, both of whichspecify the same title, must be located at corresponding positions onthe respective search pointer tables. There is a one-to-onecorrespondence between the ATT search pointer written in the ATT searchpointer table 242 and the AOTT search pointer written in the AOTT searchpointer table 243. For example, ATT_SRPT#1 and AOTT_SRPT#1 specify thesame title.

Similarly, the TT search pointer table 251 includes TT search pointerinformation (TT_SRPTI) 252 including the number of TT search pointers,and a plurality of TT search pointers 254 (collectively written asTT_SRPS in FIG. 8).

Although there is one-to-one correspondence between the ATT searchpointer 245 and the AOTT-search pointer 247, there is not necessarilyone-to-one correspondence between these pointers and the TT searchpointer. However, the TT search pointer also indicates reproduceprocedures by indication of the PGC that logically constitutes a titleto be reproduced. In this respect, the TT search pointer is identicalwith the ATT search pointer and the AOTT search pointer.

(4.5) Method of Reproducing Individual Titles by Use of First ReproduceControl Information

Methods of reproducing three types of titles which can be recorded onthe-video-audio compatible DVD will be described by reference to FIGS. 6and 8, and the types of players capable of reproducing titles will bespecified.

(4.5.1) Method of Reproducing Audio Title (AOTT)

An audio player or a compatible player can reproduce the AOTT. The AOTTis a title used for reproducing audio data, and the second reproducecontrol information SAPPT is also designated for reproduce of AOTT.However, the second reproduce control information is formed from onlythe information required for fulfilling only a portion of reproducepatterns of AOTT. In contrast, the first reproduce control informationis structured to permit description of all the required informationitems so that all the reproduce patterns relating to the DVD audioformat can be realized. The primary reproduce pattern (or function) ofthe audio title achieved by the first reproduce control information alsoincludes the reproduce pattern which can be achieved during reproduce ofthe video-audio compatible title (AVTT_AOTT) by the audio player.

Multi-Channel Reproduce

In the DVD audio format, the LPCM audio information of the video zoneoffers a maximum of eight channels. A maximum of six channels areavailable as discrete multi-channels. In this case, a total of 24patterns can be set for each of the multi-channels; namely, elevenpatterns determined for each channel through combination of three frontchannels, two rear channels, and a sub-woofer; and thirteen patternsdetermined for each channel through combination of a discretemulti-channel and a two-channel reproduce signal. The LPCM audio data inthe audio zone can offer a maximum of six channels, and twenty-onepatterns are available for each of the channels by combination of threefront channels, two rear channels, and a sub-woofer.

Two-channel Reproduce

LPCM audio data of two channels or less are reproduced, exactly as theyare. Multi-channel LPCM audio data in the video zone are reproduced onlyover two channels CH0 and CH1, and multi-channel LPCM audio data in theaudio zone are down-mixed and reproduced over two channels, on the basisof down-mix coefficients defined independently on a per-track basis.

Audio Selection

According to the DVD audio format, the audio information in twodifferent types of formats is defined as a single title and can beselected by the user. This function will be called audio selection. Morespecifically, the user can choose a different reproduce pattern for thesame musical selection, from a two-channel reproduce pattern and amulti-channel reproduce pattern. Further, in addition being able tochoose between the two-channel reproduce pattern and the multi-channelreproduce pattern, the viewer can make a choice for the same musicalselection, from LPCM recorded audio data and the audio data recordedaccording to another coding scheme (e.g., compressed audio selection orone-bit audio selection).

Change in Attribute on Per-Musical-Selection Basis

The DVD audio format permits a change in the sampling frequency fs, thenumber of bits to be quantized Qb, and the number of channels on aper-musical-selection basis. Musical selections possessing differentattributes are continuously reproduced, but a mute signal arises duringan interval between these music selections in order to correspond to achange in attribute.

Audio Coding Mode

An audio coding mode represents the type of coding scheme at the time ofrecording of audio data. The audio coding mode comprises LPCM, DolbyAC3, MPEG audio, DTS, and SDDS. Of these coding modes, LPCM, which isalso used for compact disks, is well known. The remaining coding modesare included in one type of compression/encoding scheme.

Multi-Channel Type

A multi-channel type represents the type of a multi-channel record ofLPCM according to the DVD audio format. Type 1 enables setting of amaximum of six channels. Even the layout of speakers can be set for eachchannel from among combinations of three front channels, two rearchannels, and a sub-woofer.

Channel Assignment

In relation to the multi-channel LPCM, there will now be described thenumber of channels, the relationship between each of the channels andthe layout of output speakers, and the relationship between each channeland a channel group. For example, provided that a three-channel signalis recorded on a DVD, CH0 (Left Front Speaker) represents a signal whichis output from the left front speaker and is included in a channel group1; CH1 (Right Front Speaker) represents a signal which is output fromthe right front speaker and is included in the channel group 1; and CH2(Surround Speaker) represents a signal which is output from surroundspeakers and is included in a channel group 2. As mentioned previously,if the multi-channel is of type 1, 21 patterns are available bycombination of the front three channels, the rear two channels, and asub-woofer. Channel assignment information designates the type ofcombination pattern among the 21 patterns.

Multi-Stream Reproduce

The substantial portion of audio data recorded in the audio zoneaccording to the DVD audio format is recorded as only one audio stream.In contrast, the substantial portion of video data recorded in the videozone is recorded in the VOB in conjunction with video streams whilebeing multiplexed on a per-pack basis. Within a range of limitedtransfer rate, the VOB can multiplex a plurality of audio streams into asingle audio stream. For instance, the VOB enables multiplexing of a2-channel/LPCM audio stream and a multi-channel/LPCM audio stream into asingle audio stream or multiplexing of a 2-channel LPCM audio stream andan AC-3 compressed audio stream into a single audio stream. The user canchoose between these two audio streams having different reproducepatterns, through designation of an audio selection value.

Down-Mix Reproduce

In some case, only the discrete multi-channel portion of themulti-channel LPCM information pursuant to the DVD audio format isrecorded. In this case, a two-channel reproduce signal is not recorded.When the player plays back a multi-channel signal, no problem arises.However, if the multi-channel signal is reproduced over only twochannels, i.e., CH0 and CH1, only a portion of a track is output. Forreproducing, over two channels, all the sound signals recorded overmulti-channels, all the recorded channel signals are down-mixed intoL-mix and R-mix signals according to down-mix coefficients. Thethus-mixed L-mix and R-mixed signals are reproduced over two channels.These operations are called down-mix reproduce.

Reproduce of Scalable Record

The multi-channel LPCM data pursuant to the DVD audio format arerecorded separately in two groups; i.e., a channel group 1 and a channelgroup 2. A sampling frequency and the number of bits to be quantized maybe set differently from one channel group to another. The channel group1 is determined so as to be assigned a larger sampling frequency and alarger number of bits to be quantized as compared with the case of thechannel group 2.

Reproduce of Float-Recording of Channel_Group_#2

The multi-channel LPCM data pursuant to the DVD audio format arerecorded separately in two groups. The channel group 1 is determined soas to be assigned a larger sampling frequency and a larger number ofbits to be quantized as compared with the case of the channel group 2.For example, the channel group 1 is assigned fs=96 kHz and Qb=24 bits;and the channel group 2 is assigned fs=48 kHz and Qb=16 bits. If twosignals having different numbers of bits to be quantized aresimultaneously reproduced over multi-channels or reproduced over twochannels through down-mix processes, the noise level of the signalhaving the smaller number of bits to be quantized becomes predominant.In spite of the fact that the channel group 1 has 24 bits of dynamicrange, a resultant multi-channel assumes 16 bits of dynamic range. Thereason for this is that signals of each channel group are reproducedwith reference to MSB. However, the foregoing problem can be solved byreproducing the signals so as to assume the same number of bits asassumed by the signal having the smallest number of bits to bequantized, thereby reducing the level of quantization. For thesereasons, the signals belonging to the channel group 2 arefloat-recorded. More specifically, in relation to the signals belongingto the channel group 2, there are determined the number of bits to bequantized and the number of bits by which the level of quantization isreduced.

Title Group Selection

In relation to the DVD audio format, a title group is the maximum unitwhich the user can select and instruct to the player. The user perceivesthe title group as a set of musical selections (or tracks). Although atitle group is a set of titles, the user does not perceive the titlesthemselves. For instance, provided that ten tracks of only music dataare first reproduced and that reproduce of two tracks involving videodata follows, the first ten tracks constitute title 1, and thesubsequent two tracks constitute title 2. However, the numbers assignedto the tracks are serial numbers in the title group. If the user desiresto first reproduce the tracks involving video data, the user selectstrack 11 but not track 1 of title 2.

Track Selection

In the DVD audio format, a track is a unit which the user can select andinstruct to the player. The track corresponds to one musical selectionor chapter.

Index Selection

In the DVD audio format, an index is the minimum unit which the user canselect and instruct to the player. The index is a unit formed by furthersegmentation of a musical selection (or track). Therefore, the index canbe used relatively freely. A single index may be assigned so as tocorrespond to track numbers (No. 1, No. 2, . . . ) within a singlemusical selection. Alternatively, a plurality of indices may be assignedso as to correspond to the same track numbers within the same musicalselection. Indices may be assigned to a prelude, an interlude, anending, and a climax of a track (track number), thereby enabling theuser to give an instruction for any of various reproduce patterns.

Indication of Title Group Time

Control and indication of an overall length of time of a title group, anelapsed time relating to a title group (i.e., a current time), and aremaining time. To enable control of these times, times are described inthe first reproduce control information on a per-unit basis.

Indication of Track Time

Control and indication of an overall length of time of a track, anelapsed time relating to a track (i.e., a current time), and a remainingtime. To enable control of these times, times are described in the firstreproduce control information on a per-unit basis.

Indication of Index Time

Control and indication of an overall length of time of an index, anelapsed time relating to an index (i.e., a current time), and aremaining time. To enable control of these times, times are described inthe first reproduce control information on a per-unit basis.

Spotlight Reproduce

A reproduce pattern which permits the player to selectively reproduce aclimatic portion of a musical selection (or track). A plurality ofindices are determined within a track. The indices assigned to climaticportions are determined such that the segments specified by the indicescorrespond to spotlight segments, thereby enabling the player toreproduce solely specified indices.

Reproduce Using Reproduce Control Command

The purpose of this type of reproduce is to fulfill interactivereproduce patterns.

Reproduce Using Text Data

The DVD audio format enables recording of two types of text data. Onetype of text data is intensive text data used for intensivelycontrolling text relating to the overall DVD, as well as for indicatingand retrieving a track. Another type of text data is real-time text datato be multiplexed into the audio data. The latter type of text data isused for indicating the words and title of the track during reproduce.

(4.5.1.1) Audio Player

A method by which an audio player plays back an audio title (AOTT) willbe first described. As mentioned previously, the audio player refers tosolely AOTT_SRPT 243 serving as navigation information. In FIG. 6, AOTTrepresent titles #2 and #5. When reproducing the title #2, the audioplayer refers to AOTT_SRP#2, thereby including the title #2. An ATSnumber (ATS#1 in this case) and a title number in that ATS [see a pathrepresented by P2A(1) shown in FIG. 8] are read. By reference tocorresponding ATSI 211 of ATS#1 [see a path represented by P2A(2) shownin FIG. 8], the APGCI to which the title corresponds is selected by useof a title number within the previously-described ATS. During reproduce,the audio player plays back the audio pack 43 within the AOB 210according to the APGCI specified by the AOTT_SRP#2, thereby reproducingaudio data [see a path represented by P2A(3) shown in FIG. 8].

(4.5.1.2) Compatible Player

A method by which a compatible player plays back an audio title (AOTT)will now be described. The compatible player refers to ATT_SRPT 242serving as navigation information. In FIG. 6, AOTT represents titles #2and #5. When the compatible player plays back the title #2, ATT_SRP#2 isreferred to. Since the ATT_SRP#2 corresponds to AOTT_SRPT, thecompatible player perceives the title as AOTT. As in the case with theaudio player, the title #2 is included. An ATS number (ATS#1 in thiscase) and a title number in that ATS [see a path represented by P2C(1)shown in FIG. 8] are read. By reference to corresponding ATSI 211 ofATS#1 [see a path represented by P2C(2) shown in FIG. 8], the APGCI towhich the title corresponds is selected by use of a title number withinthe previously-described ATS. During reproduce, the compatible playerplays back the audio pack 43 within the AOB 210 according to the APGCIspecified by the AOTT_SRPT#2, thereby reproducing audio data [see a pathrepresented by P2C(3) shown in FIG. 8].

(4.5.2) Image-Only Title (AVTT)

A path for reproducing an image-only title will now be described. Theimage-only title can be reproduced by a video player or a compatibleplayer.

(4.5.2.1) Video Player

Referring to TT_SRPT (a title search pointer table) 251 as navigationinformation, a video player performs reproduce according to reproduceprocedures pursuant to the DVD video format. First, the video playerrefers to the title search pointer table 251 of the VMG 3. Here, thereis no requirement for one-to-one correspondence between the positions onthe individual title search pointer tables 242 and 243 of thecorresponding titles in audio navigation where the search pointers aredescribed and the positions on the title search pointer table 241 of theVMG 3 where the title search pointers are described. More specifically,the titles written in the ATT search pointer table 242 of the AMGI, thesequence in which these titles are written, the titles written in the TTsearch pointer, and the sequence in which these titles are written maybe independently defined.

To avoid confusion, if a title corresponding to the TT_SRP 254 of theVMGI is not written into the title search pointer table 251, inprinciple the title is written into the TT search pointer table so as towrite the information in a more compact manner. For this reason, thetitle number may become different, as show in FIG. 8. More specifically,although seven titles are written in the audio-video compatible DVDshown in FIG. 6, the video player does not reproduce the titles #2 and#5, which are AOTTs. In relation to the five titles (titles #1, #3, #4,#6, and #7) remaining after removal of the titles #2 and #5, TT_SRPs arewritten in the title search pointer table 251. TT_SRPs #1 to #5 writtenin the title search pointer table 251 correspond to the titles #1, #2,#3, #4, and #5 that are written in the center column shown in FIG. 6 andare controlled by the VMG.

The TT_SRP 254 represents a PGC logically constituting a correspondingtitle. The video player reads from the search pointer a VTS numberincluding the title (VTS #1 in this example) and a title number from theVTS [see a path represented by P3V(1) shown in FIG. 8]. Next, byreference to VTSI 11 of the. corresponding VTS #1 [see a pathrepresented by P3V(2) shown in FIG. 8], the video player reads the PGCIcorresponding to the title, by use of the title number within thepreviously-described VTS. As a result, the video player acquires thePGCI and plays back the title as AV data by use of video and audio packsrecorded in the VOB [see a path represented by P3V(3) shown in FIG. 8].

(4.5.2.2) Compatible Player

An explanation will now be given of a case where a compatible playerplays back a video-only title (AVTT). The compatible player refers onlyto the ATT_SRPT 242 as navigation information. The video-only title(AVTT) shown in FIG. 6 corresponds to titles #4, #6, and #7. Whenreproducing the title #4, the compatible player refers to the ATT_SRP#4, which is an AVTT_SRP. As a result, the compatible player perceivesthe title as a video-only title. As mentioned previously, the titlenumber of the video-only title does not match the title number referredto by the video player. However, in subsequent processes, as in the casewith the video player reading a VTS number and a title number from theTT_SRP, the compatible player reads from the ATT_SRP 245 the VTS numberincluding the title (VTS #1 in this example) and a title number withinthe VTS [(see a path designated by P4C(1) shown in FIG. 8 ]. Byreference to the VTSI 11 of the corresponding VTS #1 [see a pathindicated by P4C(2) shown in FIG. 8], the compatible player reads a PGCIcorresponding to the title, by use of a title number within the VTS. Thecompatible player acquires the PGCI and plays back the title as AV databy use of a video pack and an audio pack recorded in the VOB [see a pathdesignated by P4C(3) shown in FIG. 8].

(4.5.2.3) Audio Player

An explanation will be given of a case where an audio player plays backthe video-only title. The audio player refers to solely the AOTT_SRPT243 as navigation information. Since a relevant AOTT is not written inthe navigation information, the audio player aborts a reproduceoperation (since no description appears in the area where AOTT_SPR #4 iswritten in FIG. 8, the audio player aborts reproduce of the video-onlytitle).

(4.5.3) Video-Audio Compatible Title (AVTT/AOTT)

Video-Audio Compatible Title is reproduced by the whole players of anaudio player, a video player, and a compatible player. Therefore, anexplanation is given in this order.

First, an explanation is given of a method by which an audio playerplays back a video-audio compatible title. The audio player refers tosolely the AOTT_SRPT 243 as navigation information. In FIG. 6, thevideo-audio compatible title (AVTT/AOTT) corresponds to titles #1 and#3. Hence, when reproducing the title #1, the audio player refers toAOTT_SRP #1 and reads an ATS number including the title (ATS #3 in thiscase) and a title number within the ATS [see a path designated by P1A(1)shown in FIG. 8]. Next, by reference to ATSI 212 of the relevant ATS #3[see a path designated by P1A(2) shown in FIG. 8], the audio playerreads an APGCI corresponding to the title by use of the title number inthe ATS. Here, the ATS#3 does not include any substantial portion of theaudio data, and the APGCI represents a procedure through which an audiopack recorded in the VOB 10 of the VTS #1 is reproduced. Accordingly,the audio player plays back only the audio pack recorded in the VOB 10according to the APGCI, thereby reproducing only the audio data [see apath designated by P1A(3) shown in FIG. 8].

(4.5.3.2) Video Player

An explanation will now be given of a case where a video player playsback a video-audio compatible title.

As mentioned previously, regardless of the type of a disk, the videoplayer performs reproduce through a reproduce procedure corresponding tothe video format. Therefore, the video player first refers to the titlesearch pointer table 251 of the VMG 3. Here, the title number is #1 andmatches the title number of audio navigation. A path followed subsequentto this step is the same as that described in section (5.2.1), and hencerepetition of its explanation is omitted here [see the paths designatedby P1(1), P1V(2), and P1V(3) shown in FIG. 8].

(4.5.3.3) Compatible Player

An explanation will be given of a case where a compatible player playsback a video-audio compatible title. The compatible player refers tosolely the ATT_SRPT 242 as navigation information. Accordingly, byreference to the ATT_SRP#1, the compatible player perceives the title asAVTT. In a subsequent process, as in the case with the video playerreading the VTS number and the title number from the TT_SRP 254, thevideo player reads from the ATT_SRP 245 a VTS number including the title(VTS #1 even in this case) and a title number in the VTS [see a pathdesignated by P1C(1) shown in FIG. 8]. Since a subsequent path is thesame as that described with reference to the video player [see pathsdesignated by P1C(2) and P1C(3)], repetition of its explanation isomitted here.

As has been described above, in addition to video navigation informationand audio navigation information, a DVD stores information used forintegrating together these information items as first reproduce controlinformation or information used for linking these information items,thereby eliminating confusion, which could otherwise arise when adifferent type of player having different reproduce capability playsback a title whose reproduce pattern is different.

(5) Second Reproduce Control Information

Of the data recorded on the audio DVD, the second reproduce controlinformation will now be described. The second reproduce controlinformation designates SAPPT 204 recorded at the head of the audio zone.This SAPPT corresponds to a set of audio titles recorded on the disk andreproduce control information required for reproducing the audio data ofthe video-audio compatible title (AVTT/AOTT) in a limited pattern.

Of the reproduce patterns (or functions) which are prepared beforehandand can be fulfilled by use of the APGCI serving as the first reproducecontrol information, two-channel reproduce, changing of attributes on aper-track basis, an audio coding mode (compatible with only linear PCM),down-mix reproduce, scalable recording, float-recording ofChannel_Group_#2, selection of a title group, track selection, andindication of a title group time and a track time can be fulfilled byuse of SAPPT, which serves as the second reproduce control information.

As mentioned previously, in the audio DVD, substantial data, i.e., audiodata, are recorded in the individual ATSs 203 or VTSs 4. Of the firstreproduce control information, information about the addresses of cellsand time information are written as APGCI in the ATSI 211 of each of theATSs 3. Accessory information relating to the attribute of the audiodata (AOB) is written in the ATSI 211 in each of the ATSs 3.Accordingly, reproduce of the audio data belonging to each of the titlegroups requires referring to the ATSI in each of the ATSs andacquisition of reproduce control information (APGCI) and attributeinformation.

The reproduce control information (APGCI) within the control data of theATSI 211 comprises information for merely reproducing a track, as wellas various information items for fulfilling various functions, e.g.,information relating to individual cells and information for searching atrack and for performing special reproduce operations. However, amajority of unsophisticated players such as portable players do notusually require many functions, and only a portion of the reproducecontrol information (APGCI) is used for such players. Every time a titleis changed to another, new reproduce control information (AGPCI) must beread from the disk and recorded in memory. To ascertain the total numberof tracks recorded over the disk, the attributes of tracks, and presenceof overlapping tracks, all the reproduce control information items(APGCIs) must be read, retrieved, and computed, consuming much time andrendering reproduce inefficient.

In the present invention, reproduce control information for limitedlyreproducing all the tracks (musical selections)—which are included inthe audio title (AOTT) recorded on the DVD and can be reproduced overtwo channels or for reproducing data in a part of all the reproducepatterns prepared beforehand—is recorded as second reproduce controlinformation (SAPPT) in the lead-in area LI or at the head of the audiozone. As a result, even in a case where any track belonging to a certaintitle group is reproduced, reproduce control information can be readilyand quickly obtained without the player becoming aware of a title andATS and VTS to which the title belongs, by reference to the SAPPT,thereby enabling smooth reproduce. More specifically, so long asreproduce control information is recorded in the lead-in area LI or atthe head of the audio zone, reproduce control information required forreproducing a track immediately after loading of an audio DVD can beobtained.

As mentioned previously, the video-audio compatible DVD has a video zonepursuant to the DVD video format and an audio zone pursuant to the DVDaudio format. The data that can be reproduced from the video-audiocompatible DVD are AV data [movie data accompanied by audio data] suchas movies and audio data. First reproduce control information items arerecorded on the video-audio compatible DVD separately so as tocorrespond to individual players, in order to prevent confusion, whichcould otherwise arise when the information items are reproduced by meansof any of various players. In contrast, second reproduce controlinformation is relevant solely to the information relating to trackswhich can be reproduced over two channels and is used for reproducing atitle recorded in only a portion of the reproduce patterns. Althoughreproduce of the title by use of the first reproduce information hasbeen described with reference to section (4), reproduce control makinguse of the second reproduce control information corresponds to thereproduce of both an audio title and a video-audio compatible title byuse of an audio player, which has been described with reference tosection (4.5.1).

In the case shown in FIG. 6, seven title groups are present on thevideo-audio DVD. Each of the title groups corresponds to a single title(for example, title group #1 corresponds to title #1, and title group #2corresponds to title #2).

For the audio player that can reproduce only audio data, the title groupmay be perceived as corresponding to a single conventional CD album. Inthe case of the DVD shown in FIG. 6, the user may perceive that fourdifferent CD albums are recorded on a single audio DVD. The user selectsa desired title group as if selecting a desired CD album from fourdifferent CD albums. However, the user having a compatible player mayperceive seven title groups. In a case where there are video-only titlesas shown in FIG. 6, the user must issue an instruction for “title group#5” in spite of the fact that when using the audio player the useractually selects the fourth title group. Accordingly, the user mustissue an instruction for a desired title group through visual checkingof the title on the jacket of the DVD.

The information recorded on the SAPPT includes track (musical selection)numbers for each title group and start and end addresses of individualtracks. These addresses may be absolute addresses on the audio DVD orrelative addresses on the audio DVD in relation to the location wherethe SAPPT is recorded. Further, a channel assignment which serves asinformation about the attributes of individual tracks, a samplingfrequency fs, and the number of quantized bits Qb are also written inthe SAPPT. Moreover, a start time and reproduce time of each of thetracks are also described in the SAPPT as time information relating tothe tracks. FIG. 9 shows one example of information items written in theSAPPT having the logical structure shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. 10 showsthe relationship between the logical structure shown in FIG. 6 and thephysical layout of the disk.

When the user specifies a title group to be reproduced, an informationreproducing apparatus can acquire information about all the trackspertaining to a title group concerned, by reading only the SAPPT. Thethus-obtained information corresponds to a portion of the APGCI servingas the previously-described first reproduce control information. Byreference to the address information about individual tracks written inthe SAPPT, audio data recorded in the ATSs or the audio data recorded inthe VTSs ranging from the start address to the end address arereproduced. Reproduce of tracks by use of the SAPPT that serves as thesecond reproduce control information does not require the player torefer to the APGCI that serves as the first reproduce controlinformation. However, reproduce of tracks by use of the SAPPT enablesonly a reproduce pattern in which, for example, linear PCM audio dataare reproduced over two stereo channels. Thus, a variety of interactivereproduce patterns based on the APGCI cannot be carried out throughreproduce based on the SAPPT.

Further, the SAPPT includes audio attribute information. This audioattribute information relates to the attributes of audio data of all thetracks which are recorded on the audio DVD and can be reproduced overtwo channels. The attribute information is formed from the informationrequired for reproducing audio data over two tracks. More specifically,the audio attribute information comprises a method of encoding audiodata, a sampling frequency, the number of quantized bits, the number ofchannels included as audio data, and channel assignment informationrepresenting the individual channels and the channel group. Reproduce byuse of the SAPPT that serves as the second reproduce control informationdoes not require the player to refer to the AMG and ATSI that serve asthe first reproduce control information. The audio DVD playerautomatically adapts to these audio attribute information items andperforms reproduce operations.

Reproduce by use of the SAPPT that serves as the second controlinformation also yields the following advantages. The DVD audio formatenables duplicated use of the same track (music selection) under anothertitle. For example, the title group #3 may be configured so as toinclude the tracks that are originally included in the title groups #1and #2. More specifically, the audio data that are identical to those oftrack #1 of the title group #1 may be included in the title group #3.The audio data corresponding to these overlapping tracks are identicaland have the same address attribute information.

The player determines whether or not there is an overlap between tracks,by comparing the address information recorded in the SAPPT. The addressinformation relating to any track that has been reproduced before now isstored in memory, and a determination is made as to whether or notaddress information identical with the address information relating to atrack to be currently reproduced is already present in the memory. Ifthe same address information is not resident in the memory, the currenttrack is reproduced. In contrast, if the same address information isresident in the memory, the current track is determined to be anoverlapping track, and the player stops reproducing the track.

As mentioned above, so long as a determination has been made as to thepresence or absence of an overlap between tracks, the same track can beprevented from being reproduced in a overlapping manner or can beprevented from being dubbed onto a mini disk (MD) in a duplicatedmanner, when audio data recorded on the audio-only DVD are dubbed ontoanother information recording medium such as an MD.

As mentioned previously, the user perceives one title group ascorresponding to a single conventional CD album. Therefore, in theprevious example, provided that the user sends to the player aninstruction for reproducing tracks from the title group #1 to the titlegroup #3, repetitions of reproduce of the same track are carried out(such a reproduce mode will be hereinafter referred to as a “normalreproduce”). Some users may not prefer such repetitions of the sametrack. Further, in a case where tracks are dubbed from such an audio DVDonto an MD, repetitions of recording of the same track are carried outdisadvantageously. In such a case, overlapping tracks can be readilydetected by describing overlap flags in the SAPPT beforehand. Adetermination as to whether or not there are overlapping tracks is madeby referring to the flags or comparison among address information items.If the overlapping tracks are not reproduced, repetitions of reproduceof the same track can be prevented. More specifically, all thesubstantial audio data (tracks) recorded on the disk can be reproducedonce (such a reproduce mode will be hereinafter referred to as“non-overlapping reproduce”).

Further, a reproduce time is recorded on the SAPPT. More specifically, areproduce time of each track, a total length of reproduce time of eachtitle group, a total length of reproduce time of the disk, and a totallength of recording time of the disk are recorded in the SAPPT. Thetotal length of reproduce time of the disk corresponds to a timerequired for reproducing the tracks of each group in sequence (i.e., forordinary reproduce of tracks). In contrast, the total length ofreproduce time of a disk corresponds to a total length of reproduce timein a non-overlapping reproduce mode in which the same track is notrepeatedly reproduced. The total length of recording time is informationuseful for dubbing tracks from the audio DVD onto a tape. Alternatively,only a reproduce time of each track is stored in the SAPPT, and a totallength of reproduce time for each of various combinations of tracks maybe obtained by addition of the reproduce times of the individual tracks.For example, a total length of reproduce time of a disk may be obtainedthrough summation of the reproduce times of the tracks included in allthe title groups. The total length of recording time of the disk isobtained by making a determination as to the presence or absence ofoverlapping tracks, by referring to overlapping flags or comparisonbetween the address information items, and by summation of the reproducetimes of the tracks included in all the title groups exclusive ofoverlapping tracks.

(6) Player

(6.1) Video DVD Player

As shown in FIG. 11, the video DVD player according to the presentembodiment comprises a pickup 80; a demodulation and correction section81; stream switches 82 and 84; a track buffer 83; a system buffer 85; amultiplexer 86; a video buffer verifier (VBV) buffer 87; a video decoder88; a sub-picture buffer 89; a sub-picture decoder 90; a mixer 91; anaudio buffer 92; an audio decoder 93; an input section 98; a display 99;a system controller 100; a drive controller 101; a spindle motor 102;and a slider motor 103. Of the circuit configuration of the video DVDplayer, only blocks relating to reproduce of video and audio signals areshown in FIG. 11. The pickup 80, the spindle motor 102, and a servocircuit for servo-controlling the slider motor 103 are identical withthose of conventional technique, and hence their descriptions anddetailed explanations are omitted here.

The operation of the video DVD player will now be described.

The pick up 80 includes an unillustrated laser diode, a beam splitter,an objective lens, and a photo detector. The pick up 80 radiates a lightbeam B onto the DVD 1 as reproduce light and receives light resultingfrom the light beam B being reflected from the DVD 1, thereby outputtinga detection signal Sp corresponding to data pits formed in the DVD 1. Atthis time, in order to correctly radiate the light beam B onto the datatracks on the DVD 1 as well as to correctly bring the light beam B intofocus on the information recording surface of the DVD 1, theunillustrated objective lens is subjected to tracking servo control andfocusing servo control by the same method as that conventionally used.

The detection signal Sp output from the pick up 80 is inputted to thedemodulation correction section 81, where the signal is subjected todemodulation and error-correction processing to thereby produce ademodulation signal Sdm. The thus-produced demodulation signal Sdm isoutputted to the stream switch 82 and the system buffer 85.

The stream switch 82 that receives the demodulation signal Sdm is openedor closed by means of a switch signal Ssw1 output from the drivecontroller 101. When in a closed state, the stream switch 82 permitspassage of the thus-received demodulation signal Sdm, exactly as it is,and outputs to the track buffer 83. In contrast, when in an open state,the stream switch 82 does not output the demodulation signal Sdm, andhence unnecessary information (i.e., the demodulation signal) is notinput to the track buffer 83. The track buffer 83 that receives thedemodulation signal Sdm is formed from FIFO (First-in-first-out) memoryor the like, temporarily stores the received demodulation signal Sdm,and continuously outputs the thus-stored demodulation signal Sdm whenthe stream switch 84 is in a closed state.

The stream switch 84 that continuously receives the demodulation signalSdm is opened or closed by means of a switch signal Ssw2 output from thesystem controller 100 so as to prevent, during a demultiplexingoperation by the demultiplexer 86, an overflow in various buffers on asubsequent stage or interruption of decoding operations, which wouldotherwise be caused when the stream switch 84 becomes depleted. Thesystem buffer 85 that receives the demodulation signal Sdm, as the trackbuffer 83, stores management information (such as VMG 3)—which is firstdetected at the time of loading of the DVD 1 and relates to the overallinformation recorded on the DVD 1—or the VTS 11 provided for each VTS 4,outputs the management information or the VTS 11 to the systemcontroller 100 as control information Sc, temporarily stores the DSIdata 51 recorded in each navigation pack 41 during reproduce, andoutputs the DSI data 51 to the system controller 100 as controlinformation Sc.

The demultiplexer 86 that continuously receives the demodulation signalSdm by way of the stream switch 84 extracts video data, audio data, andsub-picture data for each pack from the demodulation signal Sdm,extracts PCI data from the same for each navigation pack 41, and outputsthe thus-extracted data to the VBV buffer 87, the sub-picture buffer 89,and the audio buffer 92 as a video signal Sv, a sub-picture signal Ssp,an audio signal Sad, and a PCI signal Spc. At this time, thedemultiplexer 86 extracts a pack header from each pack (including theaudio packs 43) and a packet header from each packet and outputs theinformation included in these headers to the system controller 100 as aheader signal Shd.

The VBV buffer 87 that receives the video signal Sv is formed from FIFOmemory or the like, temporarily stores the video signal Sv, and outputsthe video signal Sv to the video decoder 88. The VBV buffer 87compensates for variations in the quantity of data for each picture inthe video signal Sv compressed according to the MPEG 2 scheme. The videosignal Sv that have subjected to compensation for variations in thequantity of data is input to the video decoder 88, where the signal isdemodulated into a demodulated video signal Svd according to the MPEG 2scheme. This demodulated video signal Svd is output to the mixer 91. Incontrast, the sub-picture buffer 89 that receives the sub-picture signalSsp temporarily stores the thus-received sub-picture signal Ssp andoutputs this sub-picture signal Ssp to the sub-picture decoder 90. Thesub-picture buffer 89 outputs sub-picture data 44 included in thesub-picture video signal Ssp in synchronism with the video data 42corresponding to the sub-picture data 44. The sub-picture signal Ssp insynchronism with the video data 42 is input to the sub-picture decoder90, where the signal is demodulated into a demodulated sub-picturesignal Sspd. This demodulated sub-picture signal Sspd is output to themixer 91.

The demodulated video signal output from the video decoder 88 and thedemodulated sub-picture signal Sspd output from the sub-picture decoder90 (in synchronism with the corresponding demodulated video signal Svd)are mixed together by means of the mixer 91, thereby producing a finalvideo signal Svp to be displayed. This video signal Svp is output to adisplay section such as an unillustrated CRT (cathode ray tube)

The audio buffer 92 that receives the audio signal Sad is formed fromFIFO memory or the like. The audio buffer 92 temporarily stores thethus-received audio signal Sad and outputs the audio signal Sad to theaudio decoder 93. On the basis of the header control signal Shc outputfrom the system controller 100, the audio buffer 92 outputs the audiosignal Sad in synchronism with the video signal Sv or sub-picture signalSsp including corresponding video data. Depending on the output state ofthe corresponding video data, the audio buffer 92 delays the audiosignal Sad. The audio signal Sad whose timing is controlled so as tobecome synchronized with corresponding video data is output to the audiodecoder 93. On the basis of the header control signal Shc output fromthe system controller 100, the audio signal Sad is reproduced throughlinear PCM and is output to unillustrated speakers as a demodulatedaudio signal Sadd. In the audio DVD including solely audio data, thereis no necessity for reproducing audio data in synchronism with videodata.

(6.2) Audio DVD Player

The previously-described audio DVD player will now be described byreference to FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 12, the audio DVD player differsfrom the video DVD player shown in FIG. 11 in terms of configuration ofcircuits provided on the stage subsequent to the demultiplexer 86. Inother respects, both the audio DVD player and the video DVD player areidentical in configuration with each other. For this reason, anexplanation will be given of solely configuration of circuits providedon the stage subsequent to the demultiplexer 86.

The demultiplexer 86 that continuously receives the demodulated signalSdm by way of the stream switch 84 extracts audio data from thedemodulated signal Sdm for each pack and outputs this audio data to theaudio buffer 92 as the audio signal Sad. The audio buffer 92 thatreceives the audio signal Sad is formed from FIFO memory or the like,temporarily stores the thus-received audio signal Sad, and outputs theaudio signal Sad to the audio decoder 93. The audio signal Sad is inputto the audio decoder 93 and is reproduced on the basis of the controlsignal Shc output from the system controller 100 to thereby produce thedemodulated audio signal Sadd. This demodulated audio signal Sadd isoutput to unillustrated speakers.

FIG. 13 shows the configuration of the audio decoder 93. As shown in thedrawing, the audio decoder 93 comprises a signal processing section 120including a digital filter, etc., a digital-to-analog converter 121, ananalog output circuit 122 including an amplifier, a digital outputcircuit 123, a system microcomputer 124 including RAM 124 a, and a clockcircuit 125.

The system microcomputer 124 exchanges a control signal Sca relative tothe system controller 100 and controls operations of the clock circuit125, the signal processing section 120, the digital-to-analog converter121, and the analog output circuit 122. The system microcomputer 124 hasbuilt-in RAM 124 a. The RAM 124 a temporarily stores the audio attributeinformation supplied from the system controller 100 as the controlsignal Sca. The system microcomputer 124 refers to the audio attributeinformation stored in the RAM 124 a and supplies the contents of theinformation to the clock circuit 125 and the signal processing section120. More specifically, the system microcomputer 124 supplies samplingfrequency information included in the audio attribute information to theclock circuit 125. The clock circuit 125 has an oscillator and suppliesa clock signal fs corresponding to the received sampling frequency tothe signal processing section 120. Further, the system microcomputer 124supplies to the signal processing section 120 the sampling frequency,the number of quantized bits, the number of channels, and information asto whether or not the audio signal has been emphasized, all of which areincluded in the audio attribute information. The system microcomputer124 further supplies information about the number of channels to thedigital-to-analog converter 121. Further, the system microcomputer 124supplies to the analog output circuit 122 information about the degreeof amplification of a signal of each channel. The information about thedegree of amplification of each channel is included in the audioattribute information and can be supplied from the system controller100.

Through use of the clock signal fs received from the clock circuit 125,the signal processing section 120 demodulates the audio signal receivedfrom the audio buffer 92 or subjects the audio signal to bandwidthlimitation, according to information relating to the encoding method(e.g., liner PCM or Dolby AC3) received from the system microcomputer124, a sampling frequency, and the number of quantized bits. Further,the signal processing section 120 subjects the audio signal tode-emphasis processing according to the information as to whether or notthe audio signal has been emphasized and outputs the thus-processedsignal to the digital-to-analog converter 121. According to the channelinformation received from the system microcomputer 124, thedigital-to-analog converter 121 splits an input signal on a per-channelbasis and outputs the thus split signals to the analog output circuit122 as analog signals on a per-channel basis. The signal processingsection 120 outputs the digital audio signal Sadd to the outside by wayof the digital output circuit 123.

Real-time data such as real-time text are output to an RTI buffer-fromthe demultiplexer and are temporarily stored therein. The datathus-stored in the demultiplexer are output to the RTI decoder on thebasis of the control signal Shc output from the system controller 100.Wordings are displayed on an unillustrated display apparatus. If anecessity for temporarily interrupting an audio output (i.e., a pause)during reproduce immediately after an access to desired data isdetected, the system controller 100 outputs a pause signal Sca to theaudio decoder 93. The audio decoder 93 temporarily demodulates output ofthe demodulated audio signal Sadd.

(7) Reproduce Using First Reproduce Control Information, and ReproduceMethod Using Second Reproduce Control Information

(7.1) Reproduce Using First Reproduce Control Information

Title reproduce is basic to reproduce using the first reproduce controlinformation. Reproduce of an audio-only DVD having a logical structureas shown in FIG. 19 will now be described while primarily referring totitle reproduce.

The audio only-DVD has a volume including title groups #1 to #3. Thetitle group #1 comprises titles #1 to title #j−1, and the title #1 hasthree tracks. The title #j−1 has to tracks i−1, i. Each of the remainingtracks has one or a plurality of tracks. The title group #2 comprisestitles #j, #j+1. The title #j has tracks ranging from 1 to “m,” and thetitle #j+1 has tracks ranging from m+1 to “n.” The title group #3comprises a single title #j+2, and the title #j+2 has tracks 1 and 2.The relationship between the title group and the titles is written inthe AOTT search pointer, as mentioned previously with reference tosection (4). Accordingly, the AOTT search pointer must be read first.

FIGS. 14 through 16 show operations of the player when the firstreproduce control information is used. When the audio-only DVD isinserted into the player, the player reads the AMG after having checkedthe lead-in area LI and a read file structure of UDF (step S1). Inresponse to an instruction from the user, the player acknowledges thetitle group to be reproduced (step S2). If no instruction is input bythe user, the player acknowledges a predetermined title group, forexample, the title group #1 or all the title groups, as a title group tobe reproduced. The following description is based on the assumption thatthe user will select the title group #2.

The title search pointer that serves as navigation information about thetitles included in the thus-selected title group is stored in memory(step S3). Since the title group #2 is selected, the title searchpointer to be stored in memory corresponds to the title #j and the title#j+1. Since the DVD is an audio-only DVD, the search pointer which isactually stored in memory corresponds to AOTT_SRPT#j and AOTT_SRPT#j+1.After completion of storage of the search pointer, the player commencesreproduce of titles (step S4). The pick up is jumped to the ATS#2 wherethe substantial data of the title #j and reproduce control informationthere about are recorded (step S5). The player reads the ATSI recordedin the ATS#2 (step S6) and reads the APGCI recorded in the ATSI thatserves as the reproduce control information about the title #j (stepS7).

By means of the thus-read information of the APGCI, the player can admittracks included in the title #j as tracks 1 through “m” and prepares anaddress table for each of the tracks (step S8). Next, the playeracquires the start and end addresses of each of the titles (steps S9 toS15). Under a more specific method of acquiring addresses, the playerdetermines whether or not the address information acquired in step S9corresponds to the start address of the head of the track. If theinformation corresponds to the start address (or if the result of stepS9 is YES), processing proceeds to step S11, and the start address ofthe track is stored in memory. If this is not the case (or if the resultof step S9 is NO), processing proceeds to step Sb0, where the playerrefers to the next address information. Then, processing returns to stepS9.

After acquisition of the start address of the track, the playerdetermines whether or not the next address information corresponds tothe end address of the same track (step S12). If the informationcorresponds to the end address (or if the result of step S12 is YES),processing proceeds to step S14, where the end address of the track isstored-in memory. In contrast, if this is not the case (or if the resultof step S12 is NO), processing proceeds to step S13, where the playerrefers to the next address information and returns to step S12. If theplayer has acquired both the start and end addresses of the track,processing proceeds to step S15, where the player determines whether ornot the start and end addresses of all the tracks included in the titleto be reproduced have been acquired. If there is a track whose addressesare not yet acquired (or if the result of step S15 is NO), processingreturns to step S9, where a step of acquiring address information isrepeated. If the start and end addresses of all the tracks included inthe title to be reproduced have been acquired (or if the result of stepS15 is YES), preparation of the address table is completed, and thetrack is reproduced.

To reproduce the track, “i” is first set to 0 in step S16. Next,processing proceeds to step S17, where a track number is incrementedwith i taken as i+1 (i=i+1). The player is set so as to match theattribute information of track number “i” (step S18). The start and endaddress of the track number “i” are loaded from the address tableprepared previously (step S19). On the basis of the thus-loaded startaddress, the pick up is moved to the location on the disk where thesubstantial data of the track number “i” are recorded (step S20), andthe AOBs are reproduced (step S21). When the address that is currentlyreproduced reaches the end address of the track number “i” (or if theresult of step S22 is YES), processing proceeds to step S23. Incontrast, if the address that is currently reproduced has not yetreached the end address of the track number “i” (or if the result ofstep S22 is NO), processing returns to step S21, where the AOBs arecontinuously reproduced.

In step S23, a determination is made as to whether or not the tracknumber “i” has reached the number of tracks included in the title (iftitle number is #2, i=m). If the track number “i” has already reachedthe number of tracks included in the title (or if the result of step S23is YES), it is determined that all the tracks included in the title #jhave been reproduced, and processing proceeds to step S24, wherereproduce of the title #j is finished. In contrast, if the track number“i” has not yet reached the number of tracks included in the title (orif the result of step S23 is NO), there still remain tracks which havenot yet been reproduced. Hence, processing returns to step S17, and thenext track will be reproduced. After completion of reproduce of thetitle #j, a determination is made in step S25 as to whether or not therestill remains the next title to be reproduced. If there still remainstitles to be reproduced (or if the result of step S25 is YES), theplayer refers to the title search pointer of the title #j+1 stored instep S3 and repeats the processing relating to the steps subsequent tostep S4 in the same manner as that performed at the time of reproduce ofthe title #j. If no title to be reproduced remains (or if the result ofstep S25 is NO9, reproduce is completed.

(7.2) Reproduce Using the Second Reproduce Control Information

The operation of the player when the SAPPT serving as the secondreproduce control information is used will now be described by referenceto FIGS. 17 and 18. Here, the following description is also based on theassumption that an audio-only DVD having a logical structure as shown inFIG. 19 will be reproduced.

When the audio-only DVD is inserted into the player, the SAPPT recordedat the head of the audio zone is stored in memory (step S100). Next, inresponse to an instruction from the user, the player checks a titlegroup to be reproduced (step S101). If no instruction is entered by theuse, the player acknowledges a predetermined title group, for example,the title group #1 or all the title groups, as a title group to bereproduced. The following description is based on the assumption thatthe user selects the title group #2. Of the thus-stored SAPPT, theaddress and attribute information about all the tracks whose title groupnumber is 2 are stored in memory (step S102). In contrast with reproduceusing the first reproduce control information, reproduce using thesecond reproduce control information does not involve any necessity forthe player to acknowledge the title and the ATSs including the title. Ifthe title group to be reproduced is determined, the player can acquireall the information items required for reproducing the tracks includedin the title group over two channels, by reference to the SAPPT. Sincethe title group #2 is selected, the information to be stored in memoryrelates to tracks from #1 to #n.

To reproduce the track, “i” is first set to 0 (i=0) in step S103. Next,processing proceeds to step S104, where a track number is incrementedwith i taken as i+1 (i=i+1). The player is set so as to match theattribute of sound data of track number “i” (step S105) On the basis ofthe start address of the track number “i,” the pick up is moved to thelocation on the disk where the substantial data of the track number “i”are recorded (step S106), and the AOBs are reproduced (step S107). Whenthe address that is currently reproduced reaches the end address of thetrack number “i” based on the SAPPT of the track number “i” (or if theresult of step S108 is YES), processing proceeds to step S109. Incontrast, if the address that is currently reproduced has not yetreached the end address of the track number “i” (or if the result ofstep S108 is NO), processing returns to step S107, where the AOBs arecontinuously reproduced.

In step S109, a determination is made as to whether or not the tracknumber “i” has reached the number of tracks included in the title group(if title number is #2, i=n). If the track number “i” has alreadyreached the number of tracks included in the title group (or if theresult of step S190 is YES), it is determined that all the tracksincluded in the title group #2 have been reproduced, and reproduce ofthe title group #2 is completed. In contrast, if the track number “i”has not yet reached the number of tracks included in the title group #2(or if the result of step S109 is NO), there still remain tracks whichhave not yet been reproduced. Hence, processing returns to step S104,and the next track will be reproduced. After completion of reproduce ofall the tracks of the title group #2, reproduce is completed.

As mentioned above, even when the player plays back any track pertainingto any title group, the player can readily and quickly acquire reproducecontrol information by referent to the SAPPT, thus enabling smoothreproduce. More specifically, since the second reproduce controlinformation is recorded in the lead-in area LI, in the AMG, or at thehead of the audio zone, the player can immediately acquire reproducecontrol information required for reproduce after the audio DVD disk hasbeen inserted into the player. Hence, the present invention enablesfulfillment of a variety of complicated functions and interactivereproduce through use of first reproduce control information. In a casewhere a portion of limited functions is fulfilled, reproduce can beeffected through simple processing by use of second reproduce controlinformation.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the secondreproduce control information for reproducing the substantial data in aportion of reproduce patterns is recorded, thereby simplifying reproduceprocessing when substantial data are reproduced in a portion ofreproduce patterns.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the secondreproduce control information is recorded in a predetermined location ofa program area. Therefore, when reproducing the substantial data in aportion of the reproduce patterns, the player can make a direct accessto the predetermined location.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the reproducepatterns can be set for each track, thereby enabling reproduce of thesubstantial data in various reproduce patterns satisfying the user'sdemand.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, all the trackscan be reproduced by means of an information reproducing apparatus whichcan reproduce all the tracks, by use of the first reproduce controlinformation. Further, for example, a portable player—whose functions arelimited and which can reproduce only a portion of the tracks—can readilyperform processing operations by use of the second reproduce controlinformation.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there are providedfirst reproduce control information for use with an informationreproducing apparatus capable of reproducing substantial data into allthe reproduce patterns, and second reproduce control information for usewith an information reproducing apparatus capable of reproducing thesubstantial data into only a portion of the reproduce patterns. As aresult, reproduce processing performed by the player capable ofreproducing the substantial data into only a portion of the reproducepatterns can be simplified.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, since only theinformation required for reproducing the tracks in a portion of thereproduce patterns is recorded as the second reproduce controlinformation, information relating to the tracks to be reproduced can bereadily reproduced without involvement of complicated processing.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the secondreproduce control information can be obtained prior to reproduce of thesubstantial data.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the secondreproduce control information can be obtained prior to reproduce of thesubstantial data. Further, only audio data of the substantial data inthe video zone can be reproduced by use of the second reproduce controlinformation.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the substantialdata can be reproduced by reading the second reproduce controlinformation, and a necessity for extracting required reproduce controlinformation from the first reproduce control information may beeliminated, thus enabling simplification of reproduce processing.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, informationrelating to a track to be reproduced can be readily obtained withoutinvolvement of complicated processing.

1. An information recording medium comprising: a substantive datarecorded on the information recording medium; and a control datarecorded on the information recording medium, the control data beingrecorded for reproducing the substantive data, wherein the substantivedata is recorded in a plurality of encoding methods, and wherein thecontrol data includes a first control data for reproducing thesubstantive data corresponding to a plurality of coding modes at leastincluding compression coding modes of AC3, MPEG-A, and DTS andnon-compression coding modes of LPCM and a second control data forreproducing the substantive data corresponding to a plurality of codingmodes that do not include the compression coding modes.
 2. Theinformation recording medium according to claim 1, wherein thesubstantive data includes audio information.
 3. An information recordingmedium comprising: a substantive data recorded on the informationrecording medium; and a control data recorded on the informationrecording medium, the control data being recorded for reproducing thesubstantive data, wherein the substantive data is to be produced in aplurality of reproducing modes, and wherein the control data includes afirst control data for reproducing the substantive data in the pluralityof reproducing modes and a second control data for reproducing thesubstantive data in a subset of the plurality of reproducing modes. 4.The information recording medium according to claim 3, wherein thesubset of the plurality of reproducing modes includes a stereo audiooutput.
 5. The information recording medium according to claim 3,wherein the substantive data includes audio information.
 6. Areproducing apparatus for reproducing information recorded on aninformation recording medium, the reproducing apparatus comprising: areading section that reads data from the information recording medium; areproducing section; and a controlling section that controls the readingsection and the reproducing section, wherein the information reproducingmedium includes: a substantive data recorded on the informationrecording medium; and a control data recorded on the informationrecording medium, the control data being recorded for reproducing thesubstantive data, wherein the substantive data is recorded in aplurality of encoding methods, wherein the control data includes a firstcontrol data for reproducing the substantive data corresponding to aplurality of coding modes at least including compression coding modes ofAC3. MPEG-A, and DTS and non-compression coding modes of LPCM and asecond control data for reproducing the substantive data correspondingto a plurality of coding modes that do not include the compressioncoding modes, and wherein the controlling section controls the readingsection and the reproducing section to reproduce the substantive data inaccordance with the first control data, the reproducing apparatusfurther comprising an extraction section that extracts the first controldata from the control data, wherein the reproducing section reproducesthe substantive data based on the extracted first control data.
 7. Areproducing apparatus for reproducing information recorded on aninformation recording medium, the reproducing apparatus comprising: areading section that reads data from the information recording medium; areproducing section; and a controlling section that controls the readingsection and the reproducing section, wherein the information reproducingmedium includes: a substantive data recorded on the informationrecording medium; and a control data recorded on the informationrecording medium, the control data being recorded for reproducing thesubstantive data, wherein the substantive data is recorded in aplurality of encoding methods, wherein the control data includes a firstcontrol data for reproducing the substantive data corresponding to aplurality of coding modes at least including compression coding modes ofAC3, MPEG-A, and DTS and non-compression coding modes of LPCM and asecond control data for reproducing the substantive data correspondingto a plurality of coding modes that do not include the compressioncoding modes, and wherein the controlling section controls the readingsection and the reproducing section to reproduce the substantive data inaccordance with the second control data: the reproducing apparatusfurther comprising an extraction section that extracts the secondcontrol data from the control data. wherein the reproducing sectionreproduces the substantive data based on the extracted second controldata.
 8. A reproducing apparatus for reproducing information recorded onan information recording medium, the reproducing apparatus comprising: areading section that reads data from the information recording medium; areproducing section; and a controlling section that controls the readingsection and the reproducing section, wherein the information reproducingmedium includes: a substantive data recorded on the informationrecording medium; and a control data recorded on the informationrecording medium, the control data being recorded for reproducing thesubstantive data, wherein the substantive data is to be produced in aplurality of reproducing modes, wherein the control data includes afirst control data for reproducing the substantive data corresponding toa plurality of coding modes at least including compression coding modesof AC3, MPEG-A, and DTS and non-compression coding modes of LPCM and asecond control data for reproducing the substantive data correspondingto a plurality of coding modes that do not include the compressioncoding modes, and wherein the controlling section controls the readingsection and the reproducing section to reproduce the substantive data inaccordance with the first control data, the reproducing apparatusfurther comprising an extraction section that extracts the first controldata from the control data. wherein the reproducing section reproducesthe substantive data based on the extracted first control data.
 9. Areproducing apparatus for reproducing information recorded on aninformation recording medium, the reproducing apparatus comprising: areading section that reads data from the information recording medium; areproducing section that reproduces the data read by the readingsection; and a controlling section that controls the reading section andthe reproducing section, wherein the information reproducing mediumincludes: a substantive data recorded on the information recordingmedium; and a control data recorded on the information recording medium,the control data being recorded for reproducing the substantive data,wherein the substantive data is to be produced in a plurality ofreproducing modes, wherein the control data includes a first controldata for reproducing the substantive data corresponding to a pluralityof coding modes at least including compression coding modes of AC3,MPEG-A, and DTS and non-compression coding modes of LPCM and a secondcontrol data for reproducing the substantive data corresponding to aplurality of coding modes that do not include the compression codingmodes, and wherein the controlling section controls the reading sectionand the reproducing section to reproduce the substantive data inaccordance with the second control data, the reproducing apparatusfurther comprising an extraction section that extracts the secondcontrol data from the control data. wherein the reproducing sectionreproduces the substantive data based on the extracted second controldata.
 10. The information recording medium according to claim 1, whereinthe substantive data corresponding to the plurality of coding modes thatdo not include the compression coding modes includes 2ch audio data.